Where do lice appear on a person? - briefly
Lice primarily inhabit the scalp, clinging to hair shafts and the area behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. In heavy infestations they can also be found on eyebrows, eyelashes, facial hair, and other body hair.
Where do lice appear on a person? - in detail
Human lice are ectoparasites that inhabit specific regions of the body where they can grasp hair shafts and access blood. The most common species and their typical sites are:
- Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) – reside on the scalp, preferring the nape of the neck, behind the ears, and the crown. Eggs (nits) are attached to hair shafts close to the scalp, often within the same areas.
- Body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) – live in the seams of clothing and move to the skin only to feed. When present on the body, they are usually found in the armpits, groin, waistline, and other regions where clothing fits tightly.
- Pubic lice (Phthirus pubis) – infest the coarse hair of the genital area, including the pubic region, perianal zone, and, occasionally, the axillary (under‑arm) hair. They may also be found on chest hair, facial hair, or beard in adults.
- Other hair‑bearing sites – head lice can occasionally colonize facial hair (beard, mustache), eyelashes, and eyebrows, especially in children or individuals with dense hair.
Lice require a stable temperature, humidity, and a source of blood. Consequently, they avoid areas with sparse hair or excessive exposure, such as the palms, soles, or smooth skin. Their distribution reflects the availability of suitable hair for attachment and proximity to a feeding site.