Summary about Disease
Body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) are tiny insects that live on clothing and bedding and crawl onto the body to feed on blood. They cause intense itching and can lead to secondary skin infections. Body lice are a sign of poor hygiene and living in crowded, unsanitary conditions. Unlike head lice, they do not live on the hair.
Symptoms
Intense itching, especially at night.
Rash caused by bites.
Thickened or darkened skin, usually around the waist, groin, or upper thighs, if the infestation is prolonged.
Small, red bumps on the skin.
Visible lice and/or their eggs (nits) on clothing or bedding.
Causes
Body lice infestations are primarily caused by:
Poor personal hygiene, infrequent bathing or changing clothes.
Living in crowded and unsanitary conditions, such as homeless shelters or refugee camps.
Sharing clothes, bedding, or towels with an infected person.
Medicine Used
Permethrin cream (5%): Applied to the body after bathing. Clothing and bedding should be laundered in hot water or dry cleaned.
Malathion lotion (0.5%): Another topical insecticide.
Oral ivermectin: May be prescribed in severe or resistant cases.
Antihistamines: To relieve itching.
Antibiotics: If secondary skin infections develop from scratching.
Is Communicable
Yes, body lice are highly communicable through direct contact with an infested person, or by sharing infested clothing, bedding, or towels.
Precautions
Maintain good personal hygiene by bathing regularly and changing clothes frequently, especially after sweating.
Wash clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C) and dry on high heat.
Dry clean clothing that cannot be washed.
Avoid sharing clothing, bedding, and towels with others, especially in crowded living situations.
If you suspect an infestation, treat promptly to prevent spread.
How long does an outbreak last?
An outbreak can last for several weeks or months if left untreated. With proper treatment and hygiene measures, the infestation should resolve within a week or two. The key is to eradicate both the lice and their eggs from clothing and bedding.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is typically made by:
Visual examination of the body, clothing, and bedding for lice and nits.
Identification of characteristic bite marks and rash.
A doctor can confirm the diagnosis based on these findings.
Timeline of Symptoms
Initial infestation: Itching may begin soon after the lice start feeding.
Days 2-7: Rash and small red bumps appear.
Weeks-Months (untreated): Itching becomes more intense, skin may thicken or darken, secondary skin infections can develop from scratching.
Important Considerations
Body lice infestations are often a sign of underlying social or economic issues related to hygiene and living conditions.
Treating the individual is important, but addressing the environmental factors contributing to the infestation is crucial to prevent recurrence.
In cases of suspected child neglect, healthcare providers may be legally obligated to report the situation to child protective services.
It's essential to treat all close contacts simultaneously to prevent re-infestation.