How dangerous are clothing lice? - briefly
Clothing (body) lice can transmit epidemic typhus, trench fever, and relapsing fever, and they cause severe itching and skin lesions. Control requires washing garments at ≥60 °C and maintaining personal hygiene.
How dangerous are clothing lice? - in detail
Clothing lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) are obligate ectoparasites that feed exclusively on human blood. Their bites cause localized itching and erythema; intense scratching can lead to secondary bacterial infection, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Infestations rarely result in systemic illness, but prolonged exposure may produce anemia in heavily infested individuals, especially children or those with poor nutrition.
Transmission occurs through direct contact with infested garments, bedding, or towels. Lice survive up to 48 hours off the host, allowing spread in crowded environments such as shelters, prisons, or refugee camps. The insects lay eggs (nits) near the seam of clothing; the nits hatch in 7–10 days, and the newly emerged nymphs begin feeding within 24 hours.
Clinical manifestations include:
- Pruritic papules at bite sites, typically on the abdomen, waist, and upper thighs.
- Visible lice or nits attached to seams of shirts, trousers, or undergarments.
- Possible secondary cellulitis or impetigo from scratching.
- In severe cases, iron‑deficiency anemia indicated by fatigue, pallor, and reduced hemoglobin.
Diagnosis relies on visual identification of live lice or nits during a thorough examination of clothing and skin. Laboratory confirmation is unnecessary unless atypical lesions suggest co‑infection.
Effective management consists of:
- Immediate removal of all infested clothing and linens; washing at ≥60 °C or dry‑cleaning.
- Thorough inspection and mechanical removal of lice and nits from remaining garments using a fine‑toothed comb.
- Topical insecticidal treatments (e.g., permethrin 1 % cream) applied to skin if secondary skin infestation occurs.
- Treatment of secondary bacterial infection with appropriate antibiotics based on culture results or standard guidelines.
- Education of affected individuals on personal hygiene and avoidance of sharing clothing or towels.
Prevention strategies focus on minimizing contact with contaminated textiles, regular laundering of work uniforms, and prompt treatment of outbreaks in institutional settings. Monitoring for re‑infestation after initial decontamination is essential, as residual nits can hatch and re‑establish the parasite population within 7 days.