Body lice are parasitic insects that infest human clothing and bedding, and feed on human blood. They can cause itching, skin irritation, and the spread of bacterial infections. Body lice are typically associated with poor hygiene and crowded living conditions, and are more commonly found in homeless populations, refugees, and those living in poverty. Treatment for body lice may include bathing or washing with soap and water, laundering infested clothing and bedding, and applying a topical or oral medication to kill the lice. Preventative measures, such as maintaining good personal hygiene and avoiding close contact with infested individuals or their belongings, can help reduce the risk of body lice infestations.

Body lice are similar to head lice but have different habits. While head lice live in your hair and feed on your scalp, body lice usually live in your clothes and bedding. They travel to your skin several times a day to feed on blood.

Your clothing seams are the most common places for body lice to lay their eggs (nits). You can become infested with body lice if you come into close contact with a person who has body lice, or with clothing or bedding that is infested with body lice.

To prevent body lice infestation, avoid having close physical contact or sharing bedding or clothing with anyone who has an infestation. Regular bathing and changing into clean clothing at least once a week also may help prevent and control the spread of body lice.

Body lice are primarily treated by thoroughly washing yourself and any contaminated items with soap and hot water and drying clothing and bedding in a machine dryer using the hot cycle. Dry cleaning and ironing clothing that cannot be washed also is effective.

If these measures don't work, you can try using an over-the-counter lotion or shampoo that has 1% permethrin (Nix) or pyrethrin. If that still doesn't work, your doctor can provide a prescription lotion. Lice-killing products can be toxic to humans, so follow the directions carefully