What do bites from linen lice look like? - briefly
The bites manifest as tiny, red, raised welts, frequently arranged in linear rows or clusters on exposed skin. They may itch slightly and show a small central puncture point.
What do bites from linen lice look like? - in detail
Bites from linen lice appear as small, raised punctures on the skin, typically 1–2 mm in diameter. The lesions are often surrounded by a faint halo of redness that may spread outward a few millimeters. Individual bites may coalesce, forming clusters that resemble a line or a loose grouping, especially on areas where clothing or bedding contacts the skin.
Key visual characteristics include:
- Shape: Circular or slightly oval, with a central point of irritation.
- Color: Light pink to reddish‑brown, depending on the depth of the reaction and the individual’s skin tone.
- Texture: Slightly raised, firm to the touch; may feel like a tiny welt.
- Itching: Moderate to intense pruritus that can intensify several hours after the bite occurs.
- Timing: Lesions often emerge within 12–24 hours of exposure and may persist for several days before fading.
Typical locations on the body are the neck, shoulders, upper back, and any region covered by infested fabric. The pattern of bites may follow the seam lines of garments or the edges of a blanket, reflecting the louse’s movement across the material.
When multiple bites are present, they can create a linear arrangement known as a “breakfast‑lunch‑dinner” pattern, where three or more punctures appear in a short row. This configuration is a distinguishing sign that helps differentiate linen‑lice bites from those of other arthropods, such as bed bugs or fleas, which often display a more irregular distribution.
In summary, the lesions are small, red, raised points with a possible surrounding halo, frequently grouped in lines or clusters on areas exposed to contaminated textiles, and are accompanied by noticeable itching.