Symptoms & Signs
- Intense itching
- Red bumps on the skin
- Areas around the waist or groin may become thickened or discolored when lice have been present for a long time
Diagnosis & Tests
Your doctor can usually diagnose this condition by looking at your skin and clothing.
- Full-grown lice are the size of a sesame seed, have six legs, and are tan to greyish-white.
- Nits are lice eggs. They will most often be seen in the clothing of someone with lice, most commonly around the waist and in the armpits.
Persons with body lice should also be checked for head and pubic lice.
-
Body lice : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
-
Body lice : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
-
Body lice : Treatment
Review Date : 12/11/2009
Reviewed By : Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only — they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2010 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
