What do clothing lice look like and how to fight them?

What do clothing lice look like and how to fight them? - briefly

Clothing lice are tiny, flattened, wingless insects about 1–2 mm long, gray‑brown, with six legs and a head hidden beneath a smooth thorax. Eliminate them by washing infested garments in hot water (≥60 °C) or dry‑cleaning, followed by thorough vacuuming and storage in sealed containers.

What do clothing lice look like and how to fight them? - in detail

Clothing lice, also known as body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis), are tiny, wing‑less insects measuring 2–4 mm in length. Adults are tan to grayish, with six legs ending in clawed tarsi that cling to fabric fibers. Nymphs resemble adults but lack fully developed wings and are lighter in color. Eggs (nits) appear as oval, white or yellowish shells attached firmly to seams, collars, and folds of clothing; they are often mistaken for lint but remain immobile and glossy.

Infestation signs include intense itching, especially around the waist, armpits, and groin, and the presence of small dark spots (fecal pellets) on garments. Scratching may reveal tiny, translucent insects moving rapidly across fabric. Diagnosis relies on visual inspection of clothing and skin, combined with microscopic examination of collected specimens when necessary.

Effective eradication follows a three‑step protocol:

1. Immediate garment treatment

   • Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (≥ 60 °C) for at least 30 minutes.
   • Dry items on high heat for a minimum of 20 minutes; heat kills all life stages.
   • Seal unwashable items in airtight polyethylene bags for two weeks, depriving lice of a host.

2. Chemical control

   • Apply a pyrethrin‑based spray or a permethrin lotion to heavily infested garments, following manufacturer instructions.
   • For skin treatment, use a 1 % permethrin cream applied to the entire body, left for 10 minutes before washing off.

3. Environmental management

   • Vacuum carpets, upholstery, and cracks where detached lice may reside; discard vacuum bags promptly.
   • Maintain personal hygiene, shower daily, and change into clean clothing after each use.
   • Implement regular laundering cycles for work uniforms, especially in occupations requiring frequent clothing changes.

Long‑term prevention hinges on consistent laundering practices, avoiding the reuse of dirty garments, and monitoring at‑risk populations (e.g., homeless shelters, crowded living conditions). Early detection and prompt implementation of the steps above limit the spread and eliminate the infestation.