What do lice bites look on the skin? - briefly
Lice bites appear as tiny, red, raised spots, frequently grouped near the scalp, neck, or shoulders. They may cause itching and often show a central puncture point where the insect pierced the skin.
What do lice bites look on the skin? - in detail
Lice bites appear as small, red, raised spots that are often grouped together. Each lesion typically measures 2‑5 mm in diameter and may develop a central punctum where the insect’s mouthparts pierced the skin. The surrounding area can exhibit mild swelling and a pinkish hue, which may become more pronounced if the bite is scratched.
The most common locations are the neck, shoulders, scalp, and upper chest, reflecting the areas where lice have easy access to hair and skin. Bites may also be found on the arms and back, particularly in individuals who have experienced extensive crawling of the insects.
Key visual features include:
- Multiple papules arranged in a linear or clustered pattern.
- Intense itching that begins shortly after the bite and can persist for several days.
- Possible development of a tiny crust or scab if the skin is repeatedly scratched.
- Occasionally, a faint halo of erythema surrounding each spot, indicating a mild allergic reaction.
Temporal progression follows a predictable sequence. Within the first 24 hours, the bite is a faint red dot; by the second or third day, the spot enlarges, becomes more inflamed, and the itch intensifies. After approximately a week, the lesion typically fades, leaving a faint discoloration that resolves without scarring unless secondary infection occurs.
Differentiation from other arthropod bites is possible by noting the characteristic clustering and the preference for areas covered by hair. Mosquito bites, for example, are usually isolated, while bed‑bug bites often form a straight line of three or more lesions. The presence of live lice or nits in the hair confirms the diagnosis.