Where do lice appear on an adult? - briefly
Adult humans commonly harbor lice on the scalp, body hair, and the pubic region. Head lice occupy hair shafts, body lice live in clothing seams and lay eggs on body hair, and pubic lice colonize the genital area.
Where do lice appear on an adult? - in detail
Lice infestations on mature humans involve several distinct species, each occupying specific anatomical regions.
Head‑lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) reside primarily on the scalp, attaching to hair shafts near the scalp surface. Eggs (nits) are cemented close to the scalp, often on the crown, temples, and behind the ears. The insects also inhabit eyebrows and eyelashes, where they can lay eggs and feed.
Body‑lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) live in the seams of clothing rather than directly on the skin. They lay eggs in the fabric, and the nymphs migrate to the body to feed, concentrating on areas where clothing is tight: waistline, armpits, groin, and the lower abdomen.
Pubic‑lice (Pthirus pubis) prefer the coarse hair of the genital region, but may also be found in the axillary hair, chest hair, facial beard, and even facial hair of women.
Additional sites include:
- Facial hair of men (beard, mustache) – suitable for head‑lice and pubic‑lice.
- Chest and abdominal hair – occasional habitat for pubic‑lice.
- Eyebrows and eyelashes – common for head‑lice.
All species require a blood meal and will remain near the host’s skin surface while feeding. Infestations typically manifest as itching, visible nits, and live insects within the described regions.