What are lice dangerous for? - briefly
Lice cause intense itching and skin irritation, which can lead to secondary bacterial infections from scratching. In rare cases, body lice transmit serious diseases such as epidemic typhus, trench fever, and relapsing fever.
What are lice dangerous for? - in detail
Lice infestations pose several health and wellbeing risks. The primary concerns involve direct skin irritation, secondary bacterial infections, and the potential for disease transmission.
- Dermatological irritation – Bites cause itching, redness, and swelling. Persistent scratching can damage the epidermis, leading to open lesions.
- Secondary bacterial infection – Breached skin provides entry points for Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and other opportunistic microbes. Infections may manifest as impetigo, cellulitis, or abscess formation.
- Disease vectors – Certain species, particularly body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis), can carry pathogens such as Rickettsia prowazekii (epidemic typhus), Borrelia recurrentis (relapsing fever), and Bartonella quintana (trench fever). Transmission occurs when contaminated feces are introduced into broken skin or mucous membranes.
- Allergic reactions – Some individuals develop hypersensitivity to lice saliva, resulting in exaggerated inflammatory responses, urticaria, or eczema‑like eruptions.
- Psychosocial impact – Visible infestation often leads to stigma, anxiety, and reduced self‑esteem, which can affect academic performance and workplace productivity.
Effective management requires prompt removal of parasites, thorough cleaning of personal items, and monitoring for signs of infection or systemic illness. Medical evaluation is advisable if lesions worsen, fever develops, or there is exposure to known vector‑borne diseases.