Where can lice be found on a person? - briefly
Lice inhabit the scalp and hair shafts, concentrating behind the ears, at the nape of the neck, and along the hairline. Occasionally they may be found in eyebrows or eyelashes.
Where can lice be found on a person? - in detail
Lice infestations involve specific regions of the human body where the insects can attach, feed, and lay eggs. The three primary species—head lice, body lice, and pubic lice—each prefer distinct habitats.
Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) inhabit the scalp and any hair-bearing area. Typical sites include:
- Hair shafts near the scalp, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck
- Eyebrows and eyelashes, where eggs may be deposited
- Facial hair in individuals with beards or moustaches
Body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) reside in the seams of clothing rather than on the skin itself, but they come into contact with body hair to feed. Common locations are:
- Axillary hair and chest hair, where lice may crawl during feeding
- Pubic region, where body hair provides a temporary refuge
- Clothing folds, particularly undergarments, socks, and jackets
Pubic lice (Pthirus pubis), often called “crabs,” prefer coarse hair. Primary areas include:
- Pubic hair, the most frequent site of infestation
- Axillary hair, especially in densely haired individuals
- Chest, abdominal, and facial hair in severe cases
Eggs (nits) are firmly attached to hair shafts close to the skin surface. They are most often found:
- Within 1 cm of the scalp in head‑lice infestations
- At the base of body hair in body‑lice cases, where clothing contact is frequent
- Along the length of pubic hair strands for pubic‑lice infestations
Understanding these precise locations assists in accurate detection, effective treatment, and prevention of re‑infestation.