What do lice bites look like and where can they be seen on the body? - briefly
Lice bites manifest as tiny, red, itchy papules, sometimes with a pale halo of swelling. They are most frequently found on the scalp, neck, shoulders, behind the ears, and any other hairy region of the body.
What do lice bites look like and where can they be seen on the body? - in detail
Louse bites appear as tiny, red‑colored papules, usually 1–2 mm in diameter. The lesions often have a raised border and a central punctum where the insect’s mouthparts have penetrated the skin. In many cases the surrounding area becomes inflamed, producing a slightly swollen, itchy wheal. Repeated bites may merge into a cluster of papules, sometimes described as a “breakfast‑plate” pattern on the scalp. When scratching occurs, secondary changes such as excoriation, crusting, or hyperpigmentation can develop. The reaction may evolve over hours: an initial pale spot turns red, then may fade to a lighter pink or brownish hue within a few days.
Typical locations correspond to the feeding habits of the three main lice species:
- Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) – most commonly bite the scalp, particularly at the hairline, behind the ears, and at the nape of the neck. Bites may also be found on the forehead and the upper shoulders where hair is dense.
- Body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) – feed on the skin of the torso, especially the waistline, hips, and areas covered by clothing. Bites are often observed on the abdomen, lower back, and the upper thighs.
- Pubic lice (Phthirus pubis) – target regions with coarse hair, such as the genital area, perianal region, chest, abdomen, and occasionally the armpits or facial hair.
The distribution pattern can help differentiate louse bites from other arthropod bites. Head‑lice bites are usually confined to the scalp and immediate surrounding skin, while body‑lice bites appear on clothing‑covered areas, and pubic‑lice bites are limited to hair‑bearing zones of the trunk and genitalia. Itching intensity varies among individuals but is generally moderate to severe, prompting scratching that may exacerbate the lesions. Prompt identification of bite morphology and location assists in confirming infestation and guiding appropriate treatment.