How to Combat Body Lice
Body lice are parasitic insects that can cause serious infections when not treated. Lice can be transferred from person to person through close body contact, contact with infested bedding, or contact with infested clothing. When you have body lice, you'll need to take certain precautions to prevent the reinfestation or spread of lice.
Things You'll Need
- Lotion or creams such as Rid or Nix
- Lindane (prescribed by a physician)
- Proper hygiene
- Weekly washing of bedding, toys
Instructions
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Treatment
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1
Thoroughly wash your body in warm water and soap. Lice upon the body can easily be removed. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, nits (eggs of the lice) are more difficult to exterminate.
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2
Use products such as Rid or Nix to help kill body lice. Apply the product to your skin and allow the lotion to stay on your body for the recommended amount of time. You may need to reapply the lotion ten days after your first application to kill any nits that might have remained.
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3
Ask your physician for a prescription of lindane if other methods fail. Follow your physician's directions on how to administer this medication, as the treatment can cause irritation to your skin. Pregnant women should not use lindane.
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4
Change your clothing regularly. Discard your clothes into a hamper so that they will not contaminate other areas of your house. You may want to keep your clothes in a garage until you're ready to launder the items.
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5
Wash any towels, bedding, stuffed animals, and clothing in the hottest water setting on your washing machine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, contaminated items should be washed in water that is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Dry your items on the hot cycle for at least 20 minutes to kill any possible nits.
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6
Dry clean any items that cannot be washed. Vacuum your floors everyday. Use your vacuum hose to thoroughly vacuum furniture upholstery and the spaces in between couch cushions.
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Tips & Warnings
Use products such as Nix or Rid if other methods don't work.
Wash your bedding regularly.
Vacuum your house daily.
Don't share your clothing or hair brushes with others if you're infected.
Avoid contact with others until your body lice is cleared.
