How do bites from clothing lice look? - briefly
The lesions appear as tiny, red, raised bumps («tiny, red, raised bumps») often grouped in clusters of two to three on the neck, shoulders, or waist. They may be slightly swollen and cause mild itching or a burning sensation.
How do bites from clothing lice look? - in detail
Bites produced by clothing‑associated lice present as small, red papules that develop on exposed skin areas. The lesions typically measure 2–5 mm in diameter and may exhibit a central punctum where the insect’s mouthparts have penetrated. Surrounding erythema is often uniform, without the raised, inflamed borders seen in some other arthropod bites.
Key visual characteristics include:
- • Slight swelling of the papule, giving a raised appearance that fades within 24–48 hours.
- • A pinpoint or tiny crust at the centre, resulting from the louse’s feeding action.
- • Clusters of lesions arranged in linear or grouped patterns, reflecting the movement of the insect across the skin.
- • Absence of vesicle formation; fluid‑filled blisters are uncommon.
- • Mild to moderate itching, which may intensify after several hours and can lead to excoriation if scratched.
The coloration of the bites ranges from pinkish‑red in light‑skinned individuals to deeper purplish tones in darker skin types. Over time, the lesions may darken as hemosiderin deposits accumulate, leaving a faint brownish macule that can persist for weeks.
When multiple bites are observed on clothing‑covered regions such as the neck, wrists, or ankles, and a recent exposure to infested garments is reported, the described pattern strongly suggests an infestation by clothing lice. Prompt identification of these visual cues aids in distinguishing these bites from those caused by other ectoparasites, facilitating appropriate treatment and environmental control measures.