Can You Get Body Lice From Head Lice?

Head lice and body lice are both parasitic insects and feed on human blood. They are easily transmitted from person to person. However, body lice and head lice are two distinctly different insects, and you can not get one from the other.

Identification

Head lice are brown to yellow, are about the size of a sesame seed, and have six legs. Body lice also have six legs and are about the same size as head lice but are tan colored.

Habitats

Head lice live on the human head. Body lice are never found on the head. They live in the seams of clothing and bedding.

Time Frame

Head lice cannot live for more than 48 hours anywhere but on a human head. Body lice can live up to seven days without a human host.

Disease

Head lice do not spread disease; however, body lice can, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Treatments

Head lice are commonly treated with a special pesticide. It is rarely necessary to use pesticides to treat body lice. Cleaning clothing, bedding and other household items, as well as ramping up personal hygiene, is usually all it takes to get rid of body lice.

References

• CDC: Body Lice
• CDC: Head Lice