|
Body lice
Definition
Body lice are tiny parasitic insects (Pediculus humanus corporis) that spread through close contact with other people.
Alternative Names
Lice - body
Causes
There are three types of lice:
Public and head lice are much smaller than body lice. This article focuses on body lice.
Lice feed on human blood, and they lay their eggs and deposit waste matter on the skin and clothing. A body lice infection causes intense itching. When body lice are not feeding on blood, they live in the seams and folds of clothing. Body lice are transmitted by contact with infected clothing and bedding as well as by direct contact with an infected person.
Risk factors include close (overcrowded) living conditions and poor hygiene.
Symptoms
- Intense itching
- Red bumps on the skin
- Lice on clothing (look in the seams)
Exams and Tests
Examination of the skin and clothing is usually sufficient to determine the presence of lice. The lice infestation may be confined to the body. However, people with body lice should be checked for lice on the scalp and lice on the groin area.
Treatment
Because body lice live primarily in clothing, destruction or careful washing of infected garments is most important. In addition, your doctor may recommend a prescription cream or wash.
Outlook (Prognosis)
With effective treatment, the lice can be completely eliminated.
Possible Complications
- Secondary skin infection from scratching
- Spread of lice to others
Rarely, body lice may be carriers of uncommon disease such as relapsing fever or trench fever.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you detect lice in your clothing or have persistent itchy bites.
Prevention
Good personal hygiene and effective treatment of infected persons will prevent lice from spreading to others.
Email to a Friend
Typical mistypes for Body lice
vody lice, nody lice, hody lice, gody lice, bidy lice, bkdy lice, bldy lice, bpdy lice, b0dy lice, b9dy lice, bosy lice, boxy lice, bocy lice, bofy lice, bory lice, boey lice, bodt lice, bodg lice, bodh lice, bodu lice, bod7 lice, bod6 lice, body kice, body pice, body oice, body luce, body ljce, body lkce, body loce, body l9ce, body l8ce, body lixe, body live, body life, body lide, body licw, body lics, body licd, body licr, body lic4, body lic3, ody lice, bdy lice, boy lice, bod lice, bodylice, body ice, body lce, body lie, body lic, obdy lice, bdoy lice, boyd lice, bod ylice, bodyl ice, body ilce, body lcie, body liec, bbody lice, boody lice, boddy lice, bodyy lice, body lice, body llice, body liice, body licce, body licee, etc.
|
|
|
