Treatment
Body lice live primarily in clothing. Destroy or carefully wash infected clothing in hot water (at least 130 degrees F), then machine dry using a hot cycle.
In addition, your doctor may recommend a prescription cream or wash. However, hygiene and washng clothes, bedding, and towels are most important and are usually enough.
Prognosis (Expectations)
With effective treatment, the lice can be completely eliminated.
Complications
Another (secondary) skin infection may occur from scratching. In rare cases, body lice may carry uncommon diseases, such as relapsing or trench fever. Because body lice is contagious, other family members may want to be treated.
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call your health care provider if you have lice in your clothing or persistent itchiness.
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Body lice : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Body lice : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Body lice : Treatment
Review Date : 12/11/2009
Reviewed By : Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
