Lice

These pests are outside the authority of the Vector Control Program. We offer educational information but do not control or regulate these pests. 

A louse is a small, wingless, blood-sucking bug that infests the hair and skin. These bugs are spread mainly by contact with an infested person or with their combs, brushes, hats, and other clothing. Lice can affect all groups of people and is not a certain result of poor hygiene. Three types of lice that can infest humans are head lice, body lice, and pubic lice.

head louse

Head louse

The most common type of lice, head lice, may be easily passed from adults and children sharing hairbrushes and hats or coming into close contact with one another. The most common symptom is itching, especially on the sides and back of the head. The scalp may become irritated from scratching. The eggs, or nits, attach to head hairs where lice and eggs can be seen with the naked eye.

Treatment

  • Contact a doctor to start treatment like washing the hair with a lice product. Lice products are pesticides and require caution when using. 
  • Comb or pick out nits after treatment.
  • Check other parts of the body and treat as needed.
Body Louse

Body louse

Body lice is rare but can cause severe itching. Body lice hide inside clothing, mainly near the seams. The skin, often the upper back, may show small dots where the lice have been feeding. Scratching may cause skin irritation.

Treatment

  • Use topical medicine as directed by the label.
  • Dry clean or wash clothes in hot water and steam iron to destroy the eggs.
  • Wash bed linens, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water.
  • Vacuum mattresses and couches.
Pubic Louse

Pubic (Crab) louse

Mainly found on pubic hair, pubic lice can be found on the abdomen, thighs, underarms, or even eyelashes. Pubic lice cling to the hair or the skin and look like tiny crabs; many call them crab lice. The skin may show small red dots, faint bluish patches, and rust-colored waste from the bug. Pubic lice can be spread from person to person with intimate contact.

Treatment

  • Follow the same steps to remove head lice.
  • Lice on eyelashes should be removed with tweezers or Vaseline.

Questions?

  858-694-2888

  vector@sdcounty.ca.gov


Head Louse photo by Gilles San Martin
Body Louse photo by Janice Harney Carr, Center for Disease Control
Pubic louse photo via the CDC Public Health Image Library