Where are lice found on humans? - briefly
Human lice inhabit hair and skin: head lice reside in scalp hair, body lice occupy clothing seams and occasionally body hair, and pubic lice colonize the genital region.
Where are lice found on humans? - in detail
Lice inhabit specific regions of the human body where hair or fine hair provides a stable attachment site and a blood source.
Head‑lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) are located on the scalp. Adults and nymphs cling to hair shafts, especially near the occipital region, behind the ears, and at the nape of the neck where temperature and humidity are highest. Eggs (nits) are cemented to the base of hair strands, typically within a few centimeters of the scalp.
Body‑lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) reside in clothing rather than on the skin itself. They lay eggs in seams, folds, and pockets of garments. When feeding, they move briefly onto the body, preferring areas where clothing is tight against the skin: the waist, armpits, and the upper torso. After feeding, they return to the fabric to lay additional eggs.
Pubic‑lice (Pthirus pubis) occupy coarse hair zones. Primary sites include the genital region, but infestations also appear on the chest, abdomen, perianal area, axillae, facial hair, and beard. The insects attach to hair shafts and lay eggs close to the skin surface.
Additional infestations can involve eyebrows, eyelashes, and facial hair (phthiriasis palpebrarum). In these locations, lice cling to short hairs and deposit nits near the base of each hair.
Typical anatomical locations
- Scalp: behind ears, nape, occipital area
- Clothing: seams, cuffs, waistbands, underarm folds
- Pubic and coarse hair: genitalia, perianal region, chest, abdomen, axillae, beard, moustache, eyebrows, eyelashes
Lice distribution correlates with hair density, warmth, and moisture, which support feeding and reproduction.