Initial signs of infection include fine, wavy, dark lines that represent the burrows. These are often soon obscured by signs of inflammation or scratching. Areas of inflammation most often include the webs of fingers, wrists, elbows, areola of females and genitals of males, belt lines and the lower buttocks. A positive diagnosis is made by taking skin scrapings and observing for mites. Head lice are most often transfered by shared hats, caps, or combs.
Body lice is relatively rare under normal hygeinic conditions.
Genital infections most often occur with sexual contact. In each, the nits or eggs of the louse may be found attached to hair. The skin may exhibit small red areas indicating bite marks of the louse. Itching is common for all three infections. The louse may not be observed in the hair, but the eggs may be seen.