How to deal with body lice? - briefly
Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels in water at least 130 °F (54 °C) and dry on high heat; simultaneously apply a licensed pediculicide (e.g., permethrin 1 % lotion) to the skin and repeat the treatment after seven days. Maintain strict personal hygiene and avoid sharing personal items to prevent re‑infestation.
How to deal with body lice? - in detail
Body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) live in clothing seams and feed on human blood. Infestation appears as itching, red bites, and visible insects or nits attached to fabric.
First response:
- Remove all worn garments and underwear.
- Wash each item in water at ≥ 130 °F (54 °C) for at least 10 minutes.
- Dry on high heat for a minimum of 20 minutes.
- Shower with warm water; scrub skin with a mild soap or antiseptic cleanser.
Pharmacologic measures:
- Apply a 1 % permethrin lotion to the entire body, following the package instructions.
- Use a single dose of oral ivermectin (200 µg/kg) when topical agents are unavailable or ineffective.
- Repeat treatment after 7 days to eliminate newly hatched lice.
Environmental control:
- Launder bedding, towels, and personal items using the same temperature and drying protocol.
- Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and mattresses; discard vacuum bags immediately.
- Seal non‑washable items in plastic bags for 72 hours to starve surviving lice.
Preventive practices:
- Change and launder clothing daily, especially in crowded or unhygienic settings.
- Avoid sharing clothing, towels, or bedding.
- Maintain clean living quarters; reduce clutter that can harbor insects.
Monitoring: