Where do lice appear on humans? - briefly
Human lice colonize the scalp and other hair‑bearing areas, including the body, eyebrows, eyelashes, and the pubic region. Each species—head, body, and pubic lice—tends to specialize in one of these locations.
Where do lice appear on humans? - in detail
Lice infest specific regions of the human body where hair or dense skin folds provide a suitable environment for feeding and reproduction.
Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) reside on the scalp, attaching their nits to hair shafts near the crown, temples, and behind the ears. They also colonize eyebrows, eyelashes, and facial hair, especially in children with longer hair.
Body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) lay eggs on the seams of clothing and move to the skin to feed, primarily on the torso, abdomen, and lower back. Infestations appear where garments are tight or unwashed, allowing the insects to crawl onto the body surface.
Pubic lice (Pthirus pubis) inhabit the coarse hair of the genital area, including the labia, scrotum, and perianal region. They can also be found in other dense hair zones such as the armpits, chest, abdomen, beard, and moustache.
Less common sites include:
- Facial hair of adults (beard, moustache) for head or pubic lice.
- Chest and abdominal hair for pubic lice.
- Armpit hair for pubic lice.
- Hair on the back and thighs for head lice in heavily haired individuals.
Eggs (nits) are securely glued to the base of each hair shaft, making them detectable along the hair line, clothing seams, or any affected hair-bearing area. Adult lice remain on the host, moving only to locate blood meals, and are rarely found on bare skin.
Understanding these precise locations aids in targeted inspection, treatment application, and prevention strategies.