Although as many as 1,000 body lice have been removed from heavily infested clothing, ten lice per person is probably more typical. Body louse problems are more likely to occur in situations where the same clothing is worn constantly for several days or weeks. Since body lice can survive away from a person for 24 to 48 hours, they can survive in clothing that is removed nightly but worn again the following day. Although body lice can transmit certain disease organisms, this problem is generally confined to underdeveloped countries where poor sanitation and overcrowding are major contributing factors. Feeding activity by the lice causes significant skin irritation, swelling and the formation of red welt-like marks.
Severe infestations can lead to allergic reactions and skin disorders, such as impetigo and eczema.
Treatment for body lice is virtually identical to the procedures for head lice. As in the case of head lice, body lice move rapidly from person to person upon brief contact or when clothing is shared. Clothing, bed linen and other personal items that have been used recently must be deloused as outlined in Step 3 for head lice. Vacuuming mattresses, carpets and uphostlery will help remove stray lice. Their second and third pairs of legs have thumb-like projections that aid in grasping the host's hair.