The eggs hatch in about 8 days. Nits are cemented to the hair shaft with chitin and are very difficult to remove. Pubic lice may be found on the short hairs of the body, areolar hair, axillary hair, beard, scalp margins, eyebrows, and eyelashes, in addition, to pubic hair. Body lice and their eggs are predominantly found on clothing and should be looked for in the seams of clothes. Pediculosis capitis is common among school children.
Head lice are very rare among American blacks.
Pediculosis corporis is now uncommon in developed countries. Pediculosis capitis is most frequent in children. Pediculosis pubis is most common in sexually active adults. Scratching may cause inflammation and a secondary bacterial infection. Found most often on the back of the head and neck and behind the ears.