Body lice are small, wingless creatures which are found in a person’s body and on the seams and fold of person’s clothing. Body lice feed on blood of humans and are commonly found in places where people live in large and unhygienic situations. Body lice are tiny parasites ( Pediculus humanus corporis) that spreads through close contact with other people.

Causes Of Body Lice:

• Body lice infestation is prominent in public communities with large populations dealing with poverty, overcrowding and poor personal hygiene.
• Reused mattresses, bed linins, and communal beds can also be cause of infection.
• As body lice feed on human blood they are found on seams of human clothing.
• They lay eggs on human clothing and deposit waste material on skin and clothing.

Symptoms Of Body Lice:

• Itching is the prominent symptom of body- lice infestation.
• Areas where body is closely attached to clothes like, waist lines, auxiliary and bra straps are the regions where body lice will be active.
• Crusts, abrasions, scratching are commonly noticed in affected part.
• Red, itchy bite marks are seen on body.
• If body is infested with body louse for long time a change in skin can be noticed like skin will get thickened or it could get discolored.

Treatment of body lice:

• The primary treatment of body lice is wash your body and clothing properly.
• Be aware while using other’s clothes or bedding.
• Boil you linen and clothes at high temperature in order to kill eggs if there are any of them.
• Vacuum floors and furniture and throw away vacuum bags immediately.
• Use diphenhydramine for itching purpose.