Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
|
|
|
Alternative Names Return to top
Lice - bodyDefinition Return to top
Body lice are tiny parasitic insects (Pediculus humanus corporis) that spread through close contact with other people.
Causes Return to top
There are three types of lice:
Pubic and head lice are much smaller than body lice. This article focuses on body lice.
Lice feed on human blood, and they lay their eggs and deposit waste matter on the skin and clothing. A body lice infection causes intense itching. When body lice are not feeding on blood, they live in the seams and folds of clothing. Body lice are transmitted by contact with infected clothing and bedding as well as by direct contact with an infected person.
Risk factors include close (overcrowded) living conditions and poor hygiene.
Symptoms Return to top
Exams and Tests Return to top
Examination of the skin and clothing is usually sufficient to determine the presence of lice. The lice infestation may be confined to the body. However, people with body lice should be checked for lice on the scalp and lice on the groin area.
Treatment Return to top
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.
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
With effective treatment, the lice can be completely eliminated.
Possible Complications Return to top
Rarely, body lice may be carriers of uncommon disease such as relapsing fever or trench fever.
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Call your health care provider if you detect lice in your clothing or have persistent itchy bites.
Prevention Return to top
Good personal hygiene and effective treatment of infected persons will prevent lice from spreading to others.
Update Date: 10/17/2006 Updated by: Jonathan Kantor, MD, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Home | Health Topics | Drugs & Supplements | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Disclaimers | Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Quality Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 25 September 2008 |