Body Lice

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it?

• 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 fit close or tight to the body. These include the underwear area, upper thighs, armpits, inner side of elbows, and the waist. Having body lice is also called "Pediculosis (ped-IH-q-lo-sis) corporis". Body lice is usually treated by washing the body, clothing, 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 bedsheets. Clear-colored nymphs hatch from the nits and quickly become adults.

How do people get body lice? Body lice are spread in crowded or unclean living areas. You can get body lice by touching the skin of a lice-infested person. You can get body lice by wearing clothes or lying in beds with lice or nits in them. You cannot get body lice from a pet.

What are the signs and symptoms?

• Severe itching.
  
  
• Skin sores or infections caused by scratching.
  
  
• Red, raised dots or rash on the skin.
  
  
• Lice or nits are seen in clothing or bedding seams.
  
  
• Thick, dark skin patches.

How do I treat and stop the spread of body lice?

• 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 clothes and bedding regularly.
  
  
• Use lice medicine if washing does not help.
  
  
  • If showering and washing clothes and sheets does not get rid of body lice, you may try medicine. You may buy lice shampoo, lotion, or cream at the grocery store or pharmacy.
    
    
  • Ask your caregiver to help you choose the right medicine, especially if you have allergies, asthma, seizures, or other medical conditions. Also ask a caregiver about treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Use the medicine only as directed by a caregiver or use the medicine box instructions. Do not use lice medicine to treat a child under 2 years old. Instead, give the child a soapy bath or shower and dress him in clean clothes afterward.
    
    
  • Throw away all lice medicine that you do not use. Do not use old lice medicine. Keep it away from your eyes.

Call your 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 using.

Seek care immediately if: You get dizzy, feel sick and vomit (throw up), or have a seizure (convulsions) after using the lice medicine.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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