Nits are much smaller, about 1 mm. The pubic louse is about the same length, but has a wider body than the head or body louse. The use of a magnifying glass and the knowledge of where to look aid the diagnosis. Nits are fluorescent under a Wood's light. Medical treatment should include contacts of infested patients, especially sexual partners.
Medications are less essential than environmental measures in the treatment of body lice.
Many infectious disease authorities recommend only environmental measures to treat body lice. Patients with body lice should have infested clothing removed and treated. If medical therapy is prescribed as an adjunct to environmental measures, one of the therapies below may be selected. Permethrin is a neurotoxin that causes paralysis and death in ectoparasites. Adult Dose Patient should wash hair with a non-medicated shampoo.