Body Lice

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Body lice are tiny bugs that hide in unclean clothes and bedding. They crawl onto the body to bite and feed on blood, usually while a person is resting. Body lice like to bite soft skin in areas where clothes closely touch the body. A person can get body lice by touching the skin of a lice-infested person. A person can get body lice by wearing clothes or lying in beds with lice or nits in them. Body lice is usually treated by washing the body, clothes, and bedding with hot water and soap.
  
  
• Adult body lice are light gray and are a little larger than a sesame seed. Adults lay tiny oval eggs (nits) in the seams and folds of clothing and beds. Clear-colored nymphs hatch from the nits and quickly become adults.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• If showering and washing clothes and sheets does not get rid of body lice, your caregiver may give you lice medicine. Or, you may buy lice-killing shampoo, lotion, or cream from the grocery or drug store. Always use your medicine as ordered by your caregiver. If you feel it is not helping or that you are having side effects, call your caregiver.
  
  
• Ask your caregiver to help you choose the right medicine especially if you have allergies, asthma, seizures, or other medical conditions. Tell your caregiver if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Do not use lice medicine to treat a child under 2 years old.
  
  
• You will need to use the medicine to treat the body lice. Carefully follow your caregiver's directions or the lice medicine instructions. Some lice medicines may cause you to be very sick if not used correctly. Do not use the lice medicine more times than directed. Do not leave it on your skin longer than directed. Keep it away from your eyes.
  
  
• Put on clean underwear and clothes after you have treated yourself with the lice medicine.
  
  
• Throw away all lice medicine that you do not use. Do not use old lice medicine.

Bathing:

Take a hot bath or shower. Use plenty of soap. Wash yourself regularly. Do not have close body contact with anyone until all your lice and nits are gone.

Wash clothes and bedding:

Wash all clothes, towels, sheets and items you use in very hot, soapy water. Dry on hot cycle for at least 20 minutes. Iron, dry clean, or store unwashable items in airtight plastic bags for 1 month. Wear clean clothes and use clean towels and sheets. Do not share them with others. Wash your clothes and bedding regularly.

Itching:

Your skin may continue to itch even after the lice treatment. Ask your caregiver if you should use an anti-itch lotion on areas that itch.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• The lice bites become pus-filled or crusty or your skin has a bad smell. These may be signs that you have a skin infection.
  
  
• If your skin is burning, itchy, or numb after the lice treatment. Also if it is red, stinging, or swollen after the lice treatment. You may be allergic to the lice medicine.
  
  
• You have questions or have any problems that may be caused by the lice medicine you are taking.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

You get dizzy, feel sick or vomit (throw up), or have seizures (convulsions) after using the lice medicine.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Body Lice (Discharge Care)