How can bites from clothing lice be eliminated? - briefly
Treat the affected skin with a «hydrocortisone» or antihistamine cream to reduce inflammation and itching. Wash all contaminated clothing and bedding in water of at least 60 °C and dry on high heat to eradicate remaining lice and eggs.
How can bites from clothing lice be eliminated? - in detail
Bites caused by clothing lice produce itching, redness, and sometimes secondary infection. Immediate relief and long‑term elimination require a two‑phase approach: symptom management and eradication of the insects and their eggs.
Symptom management
- Apply a topical corticosteroid cream to reduce inflammation and itching.
- Use an antihistamine tablet or gel to control allergic reactions.
- Clean affected skin with mild antiseptic soap, then cover with a sterile dressing if lesions are open.
- Avoid scratching to prevent skin breakdown and bacterial entry.
Eradication of lice and eggs
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels in water at ≥ 60 °C for at least 30 minutes; add a detergent that remains effective at high temperature.
- For items that cannot withstand heat, place them in a sealed plastic bag for a minimum of two weeks, depriving lice of a viable environment.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and vehicle seats thoroughly; discard or clean vacuum bags immediately after use.
- Treat personal garments with an approved insecticide spray containing permethrin or pyrethrin, following label instructions regarding concentration and exposure time.
- Re‑inspect clothing after treatment; repeat the washing or spraying cycle after 7 days to target any newly hatched nymphs.
Prevention strategies
- Store clean clothing in sealed containers; avoid leaving garments on the floor or in damp areas.
- Rotate laundry cycles, ensuring no garment remains unworn for more than a week without inspection.
- Perform routine checks of high‑risk environments (public transport seats, shared lockers) for signs of infestation.
- Educate household members about early detection signs, such as sudden clusters of itchy papules on exposed skin.
By combining immediate dermatological care with rigorous decontamination of all potential habitats, the adverse effects of clothing‑lice bites can be effectively eliminated and recurrence prevented.