How Do I Identify Body Lice

How Do I Identify Body Lice:

Body lice are parasitic insects that live on the body and in the clothing or bedding of infested humans. Infestation is common, found worldwide, and affects people of all races. Body lice infestations spread rapidly under crowded conditions where hygiene is poor and there is frequent contact among people. Are body lice infestations common in the United States? Body lice are found only in homeless, transient populations who don't have access to changes of clothes or bath. Infestation is unlikely to persist on anyone who bathes regularly and who regularly has access to freshly laundered clothing and bedding.

Body lice are found on the body and on clothing or bedding used by infested people; lice eggs are lain in the seams of clothing or on bedding. Occasionally eggs are attached to body hair.

Lice found on the hair and head are not body lice; they are head lice.

Can body lice transmit disease?

Yes. Epidemics of typhus and louse-borne relapsing fever have been caused by body lice. Though typhus is no longer widespread, epidemics still occur during times of war, civil unrest, natural disasters, in refugee camps, and prisons where people live crowded together in unsanitary conditions. Typhus still exists in places where climate, chronic poverty, and social customs prevent regular changes and laundering of clothing.

What are the signs and symptoms of body lice?

Itching and rash are common; both are your body's allergic reaction to the lice bite. Long-term body lice infestations may lead to thickening and discoloration of the skin, particularly around the waist, groin, and upper thighs. Sores on the body may be caused by scratching. These sores can sometimes become infected with bacteria or fungi.

How are body lice spread?

Body lice are spread directly through contact with a person who has body lice, or indirectly through shared clothing, beds, bed linens, or towels.