Body lice: Difference between revisions
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== Overview == | == Overview == | ||
Body lice are parasitic insects that live on the body and in the clothing or bedding of infested humans. Body lice frequently lay their eggs on or near the seams of clothing and must feed on [[blood]] and usually only move to the [[skin]] to feed. They exist worldwide and infest people of all races. | Body lice are parasitic insects that live on the body and in the clothing or bedding of infested humans. Body lice frequently lay their eggs on or near the seams of clothing and must feed on [[blood]] and usually only move to the [[skin]] to feed. They exist worldwide and infest people of all races. | ||
== Risk Factors == | == Risk Factors == | ||
Body lice infestation is found worldwide but generally is limited to persons who live under conditions of crowding and poor [[hygiene]] who do not have access to regular bathing and changes of clean clothes, such as: | Body lice infestation is found worldwide but generally is limited to persons who live under conditions of crowding and poor [[hygiene]] who do not have access to regular bathing and changes of clean clothes, such as: | ||
Revision as of 15:31, 11 August 2015
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Synonyms and keywords: Pediculus humanus humanus
Overview
Body lice are parasitic insects that live on the body and in the clothing or bedding of infested humans. Body lice frequently lay their eggs on or near the seams of clothing and must feed on blood and usually only move to the skin to feed. They exist worldwide and infest people of all races.
Risk Factors
Body lice infestation is found worldwide but generally is limited to persons who live under conditions of crowding and poor hygiene who do not have access to regular bathing and changes of clean clothes, such as:
- The Homeless
- Refugees
- Survivors of war or natural disasters
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Common Symptoms
Both of these symptoms are the body's allergic reaction to the lice bite.
Less Common Symptoms
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.
Physical Examination
Skin
- Eggs and crawling lice in the seams of clothing. Sometimes a body louse can be seen crawling or feeding on the skin.
- Although body lice and nits can be large enough to be seen with the naked eye, a magnifying lens may be necessary to find crawling lice or eggs.
Treatment
Lice infestations are generally treated by giving the infested person a clean change of clothes, a shower, and by laundering all worn clothing, bed linens, and towels. When laundering items, use the hot cycle (130°F) of the washing machine. Set the dryer to the hot cycle to dry items.
Medical Therapy
Sometimes the infested person also is treated with a pediculicide, a medicine that can kill lice; however, a pediculicide generally is not necessary if hygiene is maintained and items are laundered appropriately at least once a week. A pediculicide should be applied exactly as directed on the bottle or by your physician.
Primary Prevention
The following are steps that can be taken to help prevent and control the spread of body lice:
- Regular bathing and changing into properly laundered clothes at least once a week; laundering infested clothing at least once a week.
- Machine washing and drying infested clothing and bedding using the hot water (at least 130°F) laundry cycle and the high heat drying cycle. Clothing and items that are not washable can be dry-cleaned OR sealed in a plastic bag and stored for 2 weeks.
- No sharing of clothing, beds, bedding, and towels used by an infested person.
- Fumigation or dusting with chemical insecticides sometimes is necessary to control and prevent the spread of body lice for certain diseases (epidemic typhus).
- Pediculus humanus, corporis treatment[1]
- A body lice infestation is treated by improving the personal hygiene of the infested person, including assuring a regular (at least weekly) change of clean clothes.
- Clothing, bedding, and towels used by the infested person should be laundered using hot water (at least 130°F) and machine dried using the hot cycle.
- Sometimes the infested person also is treated with a pediculicide Ivermectin Lotion; however, a pediculicide Ivermectin generally is not necessary if hygiene is maintained and items are laundered appropriately at least once a week. A pediculicide Ivermectin should be applied exactly as directed on the bottle or by your physician.