Body lice

Overview

Body lice live in clothing seams and only move to skin to feed.

They can spread trench fever and other infections in crowded settings.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Itchy skin
• Lice or bugs in the seams of clothing

Less common

• Darkened, thickened skin

Look up a symptom: Itching · Lice or bugs in the seams of clothing · Lice or nits in the hair

When to get medical care

Causes

Lice.

Does it spread or run in families?

• Yes, it can spread from person to person.
• How it spreads: shared clothing, bedding, or close contact.
• Don't share towels, hats, combs, or bedding while it's being treated.

Who is more likely to get it

• Crowded living

Diagnosis

Exam.

Treatment

Wash everything.

Self-care

• Hot water and high dryer heat
• Bathe
• Wash clothes and bedding in hot water
• Bathe and change clothes often

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Change into clean clothes regularly
• Don't share clothes or bedding

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Stay home until you've had no fever for 24 hours without fever medicine and you're feeling better.
• For the next 5 days, wash hands often and wear a mask around others.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• People without stable housing: Shelters can help with laundry.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some skin medicines, like isotretinoin and retinoid creams, aren't safe in pregnancy.
• Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Curable.

Clears once clothing and bedding are cleaned.

Lice go away with clean clothes and bedding.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Do I need treatment for the skin?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Body lice