One way or another you have heard about head lice. These are parasites that feed on human blood and usually stay on your scalp, especially behind the ears and nape where it is cool and dark. Another common parasite that is similar to head lice is the body lice. When you look at body lice pictures you can hardly distinguish between the two. Since head lice are more common between the two, why should you know about the symptoms and treatment for body lice?

Head Lice vs. Body Lice

Head lice are a grey-white insect about 2mm -3 mm in length or roughly the size of a sesame seed. They are the most common form of infestation in the US and mostly affect children between the ages of 3-10.  Head lice stay in the inner recess of the head like the nape and behind the ear. Girls are the most commonly affected by head lice but it infect anyone, of any age, gender, race or socioeconomic status. Hair length and hygiene are not considered factors in getting head lice.

Body lice are slightly larger than head lice but have the same general appearance. Unlike the head lice that live on the human host, body lice live in clothing particularly the seamed area. They only transfer to the human host to feed. If body louse falls off a person, they’ll die within five to seven days when exposed to room temperature.

Body lice can transmit diseases including epidemic typhus, trench fever, and relapsing fever. Body lice infestation is contagious so family members may also be infested.  It is a big problem in communities that are overcrowded, poor, and living in unsanitary conditions. Examples of people most affected by body lice are transients, homeless persons, refugees or victims of war.

Life Stages of Body Lice

Body lice have three forms: the egg, also known as nit, nymph and adult.

Nits are the lice eggs. They are generally easy to spot since they stay in the seams of an infected person‘s clothes particularly around the waistline and armpits. They are oval and usually yellow to white in color. Body lice nits usually take 1-2 weeks to hatch. Body lice nits may occasionally be attached to body hair.

The nymphs are immature lice that hatch from the eggs (nits).  May look like the adult louse but they are much smaller. Nymphs mature into adult lice about 9-12 days after hatching.

The adult louse has 6 legs and is tan to grayish-white in color. Females can lay hundreds of eggs and these eggs can easily be spread through direct contact.

Symptoms of Body Lice Infestation

Itching is the primary symptom of body lice infestation. Bites from body lice would look like minute red dots. These dots would be commonly seen on around soft, creased area of the skin like the armpits, the creases inside the elbow, the under wear region, groin, upper thighs and waistline. These tiny dots may elevate into pimple like rashes similar to German measles. These rashes may also be a sign of an allergic reaction to body lice bites. Areas around the waist or groin may become thickened or discolored when body lice have been present for a long time. Secondary skin infection is a complication that can result from scratching.

Exams and Tests for Body Lice

You can visit your doctor or a nearby clinic. Usually doctors can diagnose the condition by looking at your skin and inspecting your clothing. Person with body lice should also be tested for head lice.

Treatment of Body Lice

There are ways to eliminate or treat body lice infestation. Destroy or carefully wash infected clothing in hot water, then machine dry. Sometimes the infected person is also treated with a pediculicide. Pediculicide is a medicine that can kill lice. When you are using pediculicides, follow the directions carefully.  The doctor might also prescribe some topical cream or wash containing permethrin, malathione, or benzyl alcohol. Improving your personal hygiene with regular bathing or showering is important for control. You’ll also need to vacuum and clean your floors, couches and other furniture and anything else in your house that comes in contact with your skin.

Sometimes, complications may arise from having body lice infestation. Call your doctor immediately when you start experiencing the following symptoms like when the lice bites start to have pus and emit a foul smell.

Using the anti-lice medication can also cause some side effects like vomiting, head ache, hot flashes, numbness of the skin, burning or stinging sensation. Inform your doctor immediately when you experience these side effects and have your treatment changed.

Prevention of Body Lice

Having good personal hygiene will prevent you from having body lice. Effective treatment of infected person s will prevent lice from spreading. Regular changing and laundering of clothes especially the underwear should also be practiced. Avoid having close physical contact or sharing bedding or clothing with anyone who has body lice.