Let's learn about body lice. Don't be afraid, just know these things!

Do you sometimes feel like you're scratching your whole body for no reason? Maybe you've noticed small red spots on your body. While many of us have heard of head lice, you may not know that there is also a type of lice called body lice. Although the name may sound a little scary, it's actually not a serious condition to be afraid of. Let's be clear about this.

Who are these body lice?

Simply put, body lice are small parasitic insects that live on our bodies by sucking blood. Just like head lice, there is a big difference between the two.

There are three types of lice that affect humans:

1. Head lice

2. Body lice

3. Pubic lice

Body lice are flat, small creatures. They have six legs. They cling to the seams of clothing with strong claws at the ends of these legs. They can't fly or jump. They crawl.

What is the life cycle of these lice?

There are three main stages in the life cycle of body lice. Knowing this is very important for controlling them.

Who is most at risk of getting body lice?

Anyone can get body lice, but they are most common in crowded environments where it is difficult to maintain clean clothing, bedding, and personal hygiene.

• People without a permanent home
• People in migrant camps
• Those who have faced natural disasters (such as floods, landslides)
• Those affected by war

The reason for this is that in such situations, people have to wear the same clothes over and over again, and there are no facilities to properly wash clothes and bedding.

How are body lice transmitted?

Body lice are spread from person to person through direct contact . In addition, they can be spread by sharing items such as clothing, bedding, and towels of someone who has lice.

What happens when you get body lice? What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of a lice infestation can vary from person to person. Some people may not experience any symptoms at all.

Can these lice spread diseases?

Yes, sometimes it can. Body lice are carriers of some bacterial infections. Some of the diseases that can be transmitted through them are:

• Typhus: A bacterial infection that causes fever, headache, and skin rashes.
• Trench fever: Causes symptoms such as fever, body aches, and dizziness.
• Louse-borne relapsing fever: Causes recurring fever, nausea, and muscle aches.

But we don't see these diseases very commonly in Sri Lanka.

Okay, now how do you treat this?

The best and most effective treatment for this is cleanliness . Many people can be completely cured with these methods, without medication.

1. Bathe daily: Wash your body thoroughly every day with soap and warm water. Do this until you no longer see lice and nits on your body or clothes.

2. Wash clothes and other linens: Wash your clothes, bedding, and towels in hot water at least once a week.Wash. The water temperature should be above 54 degrees Celsius (129 Fahrenheit).

3. Drying clothes: After washing, dry the clothes in a dryer on high heat for at least 30 minutes. This heat will kill lice and eggs.

4. Ironing clothes: If you don't have a dryer, after drying the clothes, turn them inside out and iron them with high heat, especially over the seams.

5. Items that cannot be washed: If you have items that cannot be washed, place them in a tightly sealed plastic bag for about two weeks. During this time, the lice will die from lack of food.

6. Home cleaning: Clean your mattresses, carpets, and furniture regularly with a vacuum cleaner.

Do I need to use medications?

Most of the time, it's not necessary. However, for someone who doesn't have the means to shower or wash their clothes daily, a doctor may be able to prescribe medication.

• Oral antiparasitic medications, for example `ivermectin` tablets.
• Skin-soaking powders, lotions, or creams, for example `permethrin`.

Important: Any of these medications should only be used under the advice of your doctor .

How to control itching and pain?

Even if the lice are gone, you may still be itchy for a few days. There are a few things you can do about this.

• Don't scratch: No matter how much it itches, avoid scratching the area. Doing so can damage the skin and lead to bacterial infections.
• Antihistamines: Itching is caused by a chemical called histamine produced in our body. These medications control it.
• Hydrocortisone cream: This is a mild corticosteroid. It reduces itching and swelling.

In addition, there are things you can do at home, but it's best to talk to a doctor before using them.

• Aloe vera gel: Aloe vera gel helps reduce itching and pain.
• Ice packs: Place some ice cubes wrapped in a clean cloth on the affected area for about 10 minutes.
• Oatmeal: Blend some oatmeal, add a little water, and make a paste. Apply it to the affected areas and wash it off after about 10 minutes.

What is the difference between body lice, head lice, and bed bugs?

All of these animals can be confusing at times because they cause skin irritation. Let's understand the difference.

When should I see a doctor?

See your doctor in these cases:

• If you see lice or nits (eggs) on your clothes or body.
• If the itching and skin spots do not subside even after cleansing.
• If the skin is broken due to itching and shows signs of infection, such as pus coming from those areas.
• If you develop symptoms of lice-borne diseases such as fever and headache.