What do lice bites look like on a person? - briefly
Lice bites appear as small, red, punctate lesions, often clustered near the scalp or neck and accompanied by itching. They may develop a tiny halo of swelling and can be mistaken for other insect bites.
What do lice bites look like on a person? - in detail
Lice bites appear as tiny, raised spots on the skin, usually 1–3 mm in diameter. The lesions are red or pink, sometimes surrounded by a faint halo. Intense itching accompanies each bite, often leading to scratching that can enlarge the papule or cause a small crust.
Typical locations include the neck, shoulders, upper back, and the scalp, where adult head‑lice feed. Bites often cluster in groups of two to four, reflecting the feeding pattern of an individual insect. A central punctum may be visible, indicating the point of saliva injection.
Key visual features:
- Small, round papules, 1–3 mm wide
- Uniform red or pink coloration
- Peripheral erythema in some cases
- Presence of a tiny central dot or puncture mark
- Grouping of 2–4 lesions in close proximity
- Possible secondary crusting from scratching
The reaction usually develops within minutes to a few hours after a feeding event. In sensitive individuals, the area may swell slightly, forming a wheal that resolves within 24 hours. Repeated scratching can lead to hyperpigmentation or, rarely, secondary bacterial infection, manifested by increased warmth, pus, or spreading redness.
Distinguishing lice bites from other arthropod bites relies on location and pattern. Flea bites tend to appear on the lower legs and present as isolated lesions, while mosquito bites are larger, more irregular, and often found on exposed limbs.
Management focuses on symptom relief and eradication of the infestation. Topical antihistamines or corticosteroid creams reduce itching and inflammation. Oral antihistamines provide systemic relief. Prompt treatment of the lice population with pediculicidal shampoos eliminates the source of new bites and prevents further skin reactions.