What do bites from the clothing louse look like on a person? - briefly
«Bites appear as tiny, erythematous papules, frequently arranged in linear or clustered patterns on exposed skin». «They are usually itchy and may develop a central punctum».
What do bites from the clothing louse look like on a person? - in detail
Bites produced by the clothing louse manifest as small, erythematous papules typically measuring 1‑3 mm in diameter. The lesions often appear in clusters or linear arrangements that follow the seams and folds of garments, reflecting the insect’s movement along fabric. Primary lesions are sharply defined, sometimes with a central punctum indicating the feeding site. Intense pruritus accompanies the rash, intensifying within several hours after the bite and peaking around 24‑48 hours.
Secondary changes may develop as the reaction progresses. Some individuals exhibit a raised wheal surrounding the papule, while others develop vesicular or pustular formations if an inflammatory response is pronounced. After resolution, post‑inflammatory hyperpigmentation or mild scarring can persist for weeks.
Typical distribution includes body areas where clothing is tight or in constant contact with skin: waistline, crotch, underarms, abdomen, and the backs of the knees. The pattern distinguishes louse bites from those of other arthropods, which often present as isolated punctures or irregular clusters.
Key characteristics:
- Size: 1‑3 mm, round to oval.
- Color: bright red to pink, may turn darker during healing.
- Arrangement: linear or grouped along seams, belts, or cuffs.
- Sensation: immediate to delayed itching, sometimes burning.
- Evolution: papule → wheal/vesicle → crust → hyperpigmented spot.
- Common sites: waist, groin, armpits, abdomen, behind knees.
Recognition of these features enables accurate identification of clothing‑louse infestations and guides appropriate treatment and environmental control measures.