Body lice are caused by lice laying eggs in clothing folds and seams. Symptoms include extreme itching and red bumps on the skin. Treatment involves washing clothing and using prescribed ointments or creams. Good hygiene practices can prevent infestations.
Body lice is a skin condition caused by an infestation of body lice. The disorder is mostly the result of lice laying their eggs in the folds and seams of clothing. Lice are tiny parasites that are sustained by human blood. Their small size and propensity to dig in hard to access areas make them extremely difficult to identify. The lice that cause pediculosis are usually the product of poor hygiene practices or overcrowded living environments.
Body lice are the largest of the three known types of lice. They usually measure 0.08 to 0.12 inches (2-3 millimeters) in length. When they’re not hiding in clothing, they usually come into contact with human skin, drawing blood to feed on.
Symptoms of body lice include extreme itching, which can encompass the entire body or be limited to a specific region. Lice will produce tiny red bumps on the skin, another indicator of body pediculosis. If an individual finds lice in their clothing, experts recommend doing a thorough body check to ensure that none of the parasites have infested the skin.
Body lice can sometimes spread to other areas of the body, namely the head and groin areas. Lice are called pediculosis capitis and it is the most common type of lice infestation. Pubic lice is the collection of lice in the pubic hair.
There are several steps that can be taken to get rid of body lice. First, all clothing should be carefully checked for the presence of parasites, then washed thoroughly and, if necessary, repeatedly. In extreme cases, burning or throwing away infested clothing is probably the safest course of action to prevent a further influx. An individual with body lice might also check bedding and furniture to make sure no lice have made their way into those areas.
A doctor usually prescribes an ointment or cream to treat body lice. Keeping scratching to a minimum is recommended, as over-scratching an area can lead to skin infections and further complications. Infested individuals may also want to make sure that those they come into contact with have not contracted any of the lice, which is a distinct possibility considering the contagious nature of the creatures.
The key to preventing head lice is good personal hygiene. Ensuring that clothes are washed regularly is another step in avoiding a body lice infestation and a diagnosis of body lice. Bathing every day, following proper sanitary measures, and making sure your surroundings are clean and disinfected are additional steps that can be taken.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
