How do body lice affect the body?

Dr. Jeanne Morrison, PhD on behalf of Sigma Nursing

Family Practitioner

Body lice affect the body by causing your skin to itch. Constantly scratching your skin can cause other complications, such as scratches, infection, or thickening of the skin. Sometimes body lice carry diseases, such as typhus. If you are infested with body lice, speak with your doctor about whether you need to be tested for typhus.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Lice

Lice are parasitic insects that feed on blood and can live in peoples heads and on their bodies, including in the pubic area. Head lice often are a concern for parents of young children. Lice crawl, not hop or fly, and are spread commonly through head-to-head contact. A child with lice will experience itching, difficulty sleeping, and sores on the head. The child also might feel like something is moving in his hair. Prescription and over-the-counter shampoos, plus a special comb with tight teeth, work best to kill lice and remove their eggs, called nits.

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