A body lice diagnosis is made by looking closely in the seams of clothing and on the body for eggs and for crawling lice. Body lice are most commonly seen along the seams of clothing -- it is not uncommon for clothing to contain several hundred active lice. The body usually has a lot fewer. Typically when diagnosing body lice, the body will contain fewer than ten active lice.

 

It is more common for body lice to be diagnosed in the winter months, because homeless people tend to wear multiple layers of clothing for extended periods of time. There is also more contact with other people's clothing during the colder months.

 

Nits and body lice are usually visible to the naked eye, but a hand lens or light may help when diagnosing body lice.