Body lice

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Body louse Lice, body with stool (Pediculus humanus) Body louse, female and larvae Head louse and pubic louse

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Body lice

Body lice are tiny parasitic insects (Pediculus humanus corporis) that spread through close contact with other people.

There are 3 types of lice: head lice, body lice, and pubic lice. Body lice may be 2 - 3 mm long, whereas head and public lice are much smaller.

They feed on human blood, and they lay their eggs and deposit their fecal matter on the skin (they may also lay their eggs in clothing). Infestation by body lice 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.

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