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What are body lice?
Body lice are parasitic insects that live on the body and in the
clothing or bedding of infested humans. Infestation is common, found
worldwide, and affects people of all races. Body lice infestations
spread rapidly under crowded conditions where hygiene is poor and
there is frequent contact among people. Are body lice infestations
common in the United States? Body lice are found only in homeless,
transient populations who don't have access to changes of clothes
or bath. Infestation is unlikely to persist on anyone who bathes
regularly and who regularly has access to freshly laundered clothing.
Read more about Body
Lice...
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Can body lice transmit diease?
Yes. Epidemics of typhus and louse-borne relapsing fever have been
caused by body lice. Though typhus is no longer widespread, epidemics
still occur during times of war, civil unrest, natural disasters,
in refugee camps, and prisons where people live crowded together
in unsanitary conditions. Typhus still exists in places where climate,
chronic poverty, and social customs prevent regular changes and
laundering of clothing. Read more about the how
Body Lice gets transmitted...
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What do body lice look like?
There are three forms of body lice: the egg (sometimes called a
nit), the nymph, and the adult. Read more about what
Body Lice looks like...
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Where are body lice most commonly found?
Body lice are found on the body and on clothing or bedding used
by infested people; lice eggs are lain in the seams of clothing
or on bedding. Occasionally eggs are attached to body hair. Lice
found on the hair and head are not body lice; they are head lice.
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What are the signs and symptoms of body lice infestation?
Itching and rash are common; both are your body's allergic reaction
to the lice bite. Long-term body lice infestations may lead to thickening
and discoloration of the skin, particularly around the waist, groin,
and upper thighs. Sores on the body may be caused by scratching.
These sores can sometimes become infected with bacteria or fungi.
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How are body lice spread?
Body lice are spread directly through contact with a person who
has body lice, or indirectly through shared clothing, beds, bed
linens, or towels.
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How is body lice infestation diagnosed?
By looking closely in the seams of clothing and on the body for
eggs and for crawling lice. Diagnosis should be made by a health
care provider if you are unsure about infestation.
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Body Lice Articles -
9/2/2010
Body lice are parasitic insects found most commonly behind
the ears and near the neckline at the back of the neck. The medical
term for Body lice infestation is Pediculus humanus capitis. There
are 6 – 12 millions cases of Body lice in the United States
every year more commonly in children than adults...
Read more articles about
Body Lice..
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