Diagnosing Body Lice

Diagnosing Body Lice Images
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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.
Body lice infestation is unlikely to persist on anyone who bathes regularly and who regularly has access to freshly laundered clothing and bedding.
This photograph reveals the presence of crab lice with reddish-brown crab feces. Pubic lice are generally found in the genital area on pubic hair; but may occasionally be found on other coarse body hair, such as hair on the legs, armpit, mustache, beard, eyebrows, and eyelashes.
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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.
 
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
 
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