Explain Body Lice

Body lice are parasitic, wingless insects that survive off people's blood, often infecting people with bad hygiene and/or living in crowded conditions. Like head and pubic lice, they can be spread through human contact.

Definition

• Body lice, or Pediculus humanus corporis, live on people's clothing. They move to the skin to feed, about twice a day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Development

• Body lice start out as yellow or white eggs, hatching a week later. They take nine more days to develop into adults, reports the CDC, at which point they are "about the size of a sesame seed" and have six legs.

Symptoms

• Body lice cause itching, rashes and welts, and some people develop thickened or discolored skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. Body lice can also cause illnesses such as typhoid fever, trench fever and/or skin infections.

Identification

• Usually adult lice and eggs are visible on clothing, and can be found by doctors during an examination.

Treatment

• People can usually get rid of body lice with over-the-counter lotions or shampoos, or a doctor can prescribe a stronger remedy.

Prevention

• To prevent body lice, the University of Sydney Department of Medical Entomology suggests changing clothing and bathing regularly, washing clothes in warm water.