Body lice

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Body lice are tiny, wingless, parasitic insects that may be found on your body and in the seams and folds of your clothing. Body lice are a different type from head lice and pubic lice, though they're all similar.

Body lice feed on your blood and can cause symptoms such as itching. Body lice are most common where people live in crowded and unhygienic conditions. The lice are easily spread by close contact and by sharing bedding or clothing.

If you have body lice, you generally don't need treatment. However, you must take measures such as properly treating your clothing and other items to avoid reinfesting yourself or spreading body lice to others.

DS01073

June 27, 2008

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