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Body lice
Definition
Body lice are tiny insects (Pediculus humanus corporis) that are spread through close contact with other people.
There are three types of lice:
- Body lice
- Head lice
- Pubic lice
Alternative Names
Lice - body; Pediculosis; Vagabond's disease
Causes
Body lice live in the seams and folds of clothing. They feed on human blood and lay their eggs and deposit waste matter on the skin and clothing.
- They can live in clothing for up to 1 month.
- Lice die within 5 - 7 days at room temperature if they fall off a person.
You can catch body lice if you come in direct contact with someone who has lice. You can also get lice from infected clothing, towels, or bedding.
Body lice are bigger than other types of lice.
You are more likely to get body lice if you do not bathe and wash your clothes often or live in close (overcrowded) conditions. Lice are unlikely to last if you:
- Bathe regularly
- Wash clothes and bedding at least once a week
Placing clothes in a hot dryer helps kill lice on clothing.
Symptoms
Lice causes severe itching. Itching is usually worse around the waist, under the arms, and places where clothing is tighter and closer to the body (such as near bra straps).
You may have red bumps on your skin. The bumps may scab or become crusty after scratching.
Skin around the waist or groin may become thickened or change color if you have been infected with lice in that area for a long time.
Exams and Tests
Your doctor will look at your skin and clothing for signs of lice.
- Full-grown lice are the size of a sesame seed, have six legs, and are tan to grayish-white.
- Nits are lice eggs. They will most often be seen in the clothing of someone with lice, most commonly around the waist and in the armpits.
You should also be checked for head and public lice if you have body lice.
Treatment
Body lice mainly live in clothing. To get rid of lice, destroy infected clothing or carefully wash items in hot water (at least 130 degrees F), then machine dry using a hot cycle.
Your doctor may also prescribe a cream that you put on your skin or a wash that contains permethrin, malathione, or benzyl alcohol.
Bathing and washing clothes, bedding, and towels are most important steps in treating lice. Doing these things usually gets rid of the problem.
Outlook (Prognosis)
With effective treatment, the lice can be completely destroyed.
Possible Complications
Scratching can make your skin more likely to become infected. Rarely, lice may carry uncommon diseases, such as trench fever. Because body lice spreads easily to others, people you live with and sexual partners need to be treated as well.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you have lice in your clothing or itching that does not go away.
References
Burkhart CN, Burkhart CG, Morrell DS. Infestations. In: Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Schaffer JV, et al, eds.Dermatology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2012:chap 84.
Diaz JH. Lice (pediculosis). In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 293.
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.
