Nits and body lice are easily found in underclothing because lice primarily inhabit the seams of clothing worn next to the skin. Nits are sometimes found on the body hairs as well as on the fabric. Pruritus is invariable. Lesions are especially common on the shoulders, buttocks, and abdomen. Examination may show small red puncta caused by bites, usually associated with linear scratch marks, urticaria, or superficial bacterial infection.
Furunculosis is an occasional complication.
P. pubis is usually transmitted venereally. Pubic lice ordinarily infest anogenital hairs but may involve other areas, especially in hairy persons. The anogenital region should be carefully examined for lice, which may be few in number and resemble the small crusts of scratch dermatitis. Sometimes lice may be seen within small bluish spots on the skin, ordinarily on the trunk. Nits are commonly attached to the skin at the base of the hairs.