Typhus still exists in places where climate, chronic poverty, and social customs prevent regular changes and laundering of clothing. Long-term body lice infestations may lead to thickening and discoloration of the skin, particularly around the waist, groin, and upper thighs. Sores on the body may be caused by scratching. These sores can sometimes become infected with bacteria or fungi. Body lice are spread directly through contact with a person who has body lice, or indirectly through shared clothing, beds, bed linens, or towels.
Nits are body lice eggs.
They are generally easy to see in the seams of clothing, particularly around the waistline and under armpits. Nits may also be attached to body hair. They are oval and usually yellow to white. Nits may take 30 days to hatch. The egg hatches into a baby louse called a nymph.