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Body lice - Treatment

Alternative Names

Lice - body

Treatment:

Because body lice live primarily in clothing, destruction or careful washing of infected garments is most important. In addition, your doctor may recommend a prescription cream or wash.

Expectations (prognosis):

With effective treatment, the lice can be completely eliminated.

Complications:

Another (secondary) skin infection may occur from scratching. In rare cases, body lice may carry uncommon diseases such as relapsing or trench fever.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have lice in your clothing or persistent itchiness.

Body louse

Lice, body with stool (Pediculus humanus)

Body louse, female and larvae

Head louse and pubic louse

Reviewed last on: 10/28/2008
Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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