2
4
5
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Lice, body with stool (Pediculus humanus)
Lice, body with stool (Pediculus humanus)
Body louse, female and larvae
Body louse, female and larvae
Head louse and pubic louse
Head louse and pubic louse

Body lice
Definition:
Body lice are tiny parasitic insects (Pediculus humanus corporis) that can be spread by close contact with other people.

Alternative Names:
Lice - body

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

There are 3 types of lice: head lice, body lice, and pubic lice. Body lice may be 2 to 3 mm long, whereas head and public lice are much smaller.

They feed on human blood, and they lay their eggs and deposit their fecal matter on the skin (they may also lay their eggs in clothing). Infestation by body lice causes intense itching. When body lice are not feeding on blood, they live in the seams and folds of clothing. Body lice are transmitted by contact with infected clothing and bedding as well as by direct contact with an infected person.

Risk factors include close (overcrowded) living conditions, and poor hygiene.
Symptoms:
  • Intense itching
  • Red bumps on the skin
  • Lice on clothing (look in the seams)
Signs and tests:
Examination of the skin and clothing is usually sufficient to determine the presence of lice. The lice infestation may be confined to the body. However, people with body lice should be checked for lice on the scalp (head lice) and lice on the groin area (pubic lice).
Treatment:

Because body lice live primarily in clothing, destruction or careful washing of infected garments is most important. In addition, your doctor may recommend a prescription cream or wash.
Expectations (prognosis):
With effective treatment, the lice can be completely eliminated.
Complications:
  • Secondary skin infection from scratching
  • Spread of lice to others

Rarely, body lice may be carriers of uncommon disease such as relapsing fever or trench fever.
Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you detect lice in your clothing or have persistent itchy bites.
Prevention:
Good personal hygiene and effective treatment of infected persons will prevent lice from spreading to others.
Review Date: 7/28/2001
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com