How do bites from clothing lice look on the body? - briefly
The bites manifest as tiny, red, raised welts that may be itchy and often appear in linear or clustered arrangements. They usually emerge within hours of exposure and can last several days.
How do bites from clothing lice look on the body? - in detail
Bites caused by clothing lice appear as small, erythematous papules. Each lesion is typically 2–5 mm in diameter, with a well‑defined, raised border. The central area may be slightly darker or exhibit a tiny puncture point where the insect inserted its mouthparts.
The lesions frequently occur in groups of two to five, arranged in a linear or zig‑zag pattern that follows the direction of clothing seams. Common locations include the waistline, hips, abdomen, shoulders, and neck—areas where the garment fits tightly against the skin.
Characteristics of the reaction:
- Intense itching that begins within a few hours after the bite and may persist for several days.
- Mild swelling around the papule, occasionally forming a small wheal.
- Possible development of a central vesicle or pustule if secondary infection occurs.
- Redness that can spread outward, creating a halo‑like appearance.
The appearance evolves over time. Initially, the spot is bright red and sharply demarcated. After 24–48 hours, the center may become pale while the surrounding rim remains inflamed. Healing typically leaves a faint hyperpigmented macule that can last weeks.
Differential considerations: the pattern and distribution differ from bed‑bug bites, which are often clustered on exposed limbs, and from flea bites, which tend to appear on lower legs. The alignment with clothing seams is a distinctive clue for clothing‑lice bites.
Prompt removal of infested garments and thorough washing of personal items halt further feeding, allowing the skin lesions to resolve without complications. If lesions become excessively inflamed or infected, topical corticosteroids or antiseptic ointments may be indicated.