Body lice

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Body louse

Body louse, female and larvae

Head louse and pubic louse

Lice, body with stool (Pediculus humanus)

Lice - body

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.

With effective treatment, the lice can be completely eliminated.

• 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.

Call your health care provider if you detect lice in your clothing or have persistent itchy bites.

Review Date: 10/17/2006
Reviewed By: Jonathan Kantor, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.