Body Lice: Care Instructions

Body lice in pants seam, with close-up of louse and eggs (nits)

Overview

Body lice are tiny bugs that can live in the seams of clothing or bedding (sheets, pillows, and blankets). They are hard to find on the body. It's much easier to see lice or their eggs (nits) on clothes.

Body lice are most often spread by contact with a person who has body lice or with that person's clothes, bedding, or towels. They are usually found only when people can't wash their bodies or their clothes regularly.

Lice can cause very bad itching, especially at night. They can also cause sores in the armpits, waist, or torso. These are places where the seams of clothing can press against the skin. In rare cases, body lice carry disease. This usually only happens when people are living closely together in places where they can't bathe regularly.

Most people can get rid of lice by washing personal items and their bodies regularly.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

Wash your clothes, bedding, and towels in a washing machine with hot water (at least 130°F). Dry them in a dryer on the hot cycle. If you don't have access to a washing machine or the items can't be washed or dried, you can store these items in a sealed plastic bag for 14 days to get rid of the lice.
Wash your body thoroughly. To prevent body lice from coming back, try to bathe and wash clothes and bedding at least once a week.
If washing doesn't work, try an over-the-counter or prescription medicine to kill body lice.
- Be safe with medicines. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
- You can also talk to the pharmacist to understand how to use a medicine and make sure that it is safe for you.
Try not to scratch. Scratching can cause sores which can lead to an infection. It may help to use an over-the-counter anti-itch cream to calm the itching. If the itching is really bad, ask the doctor about an over-the-counter antihistamine. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
Do not share your clothes, towels, or other items until you treat and clean everything.

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

You have signs of a skin infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, and redness.
- Red streaks coming from an area of your skin.
- Pus draining from the area.
- A fever.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

You see live lice or new nits after you have followed your doctor's directions.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter K621 in the search box to learn more about "Body Lice: Care Instructions".

Current as of: November 16, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: November 16, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.