Body lice are parasitic insects about the size of a sesame seed. They feed on blood and are commonly found around the armpits, neck, groin, scalp, etc. Accordingly, body lice have been divided into three broad categories: body lice, head lice, and pubic lice.
They also tend to lay eggs and excrete waste matter onto the skin which can live up to 1 month on the clothing. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(1) states that preschool children are more prone to head lice.
Did you know?
| A single host can be infested by thousands of lice at one time. |
Causes and Symptoms
Body lice are usually transmitted through close contact with an already infected person, and due to the sharing of other utilities like towels, clothes, combs, etc. It is also caused due to living in an extremely unhygienic environment. Some of the body lice symptoms are:
- Constant itching
- Bump on the skin
- Rashes
- Darkened skin
How to Get Rid of Body Lice Using Natural and Home Remedies
CURE 1: Home Remedies
1. Mayonnaise
Application of mayonnaise suffocates the lice, which eventually die. The Minnesota Department of Health has accepted Mayonnaise as an effective remedy for head lice.
How to use and how much to use?
Put mayonnaise on the affected area and leave overnight. Do this regularly until you achieve the desired results.
2. Petroleum jelly
Petroleum jelly covers the breathing holes for the lice(2), which then suffocates them. Studies show that petroleum jelly can be a useful treatment for people who are allergic to anti-lice shampoos.
How to use and how much to use?
Apply the jelly on the infected area and leave overnight. To do it repeatedly until all the lice die.
3. Salt and vinegar
Salt and vinegar are rich antimicrobial properties which help kill the lice. Studies reveal that the salt dehydrates the lice and the vinegar eventually kills them.
How to use and how much to use?
Add salt in half a cup of warm vinegar and spray it onto the affected area. Leave it on for a couple of hours before washing. Do this thrice every week to see the necessary results.
CURE 2: Herbal Remedies
1. Neem leaf
Neem leaves have compounds that disrupt the life cycle of lice and kill them eventually. Studies reveal that neem is one of the most trusted herbs since ancient times.
How to use and how much to use?
Make a paste from the neem leaves and apply it on the affected area. Use it 3-4 times a week.
[ Read: Natural Remedies for Lice ]
2. Fenugreek
Fenugreek has antifungal properties that kill body lice and cure body lice rash. Studies show that fenugreek used in combination with mustard oil is also effective against body lice.
How to use and how much to use?
Make a thick paste from fenugreek seeds after soaking them in water overnight. Apply the paste on the affected area and keep it covered. Wash it 30 minutes later. Do this 3-4 times a week.
[ Read: Amazing Fenugreek Benefits ]
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is rich in anti-inflammatory which helps treat lice infection. Turmeric has curcumin compound which kills the lice.
How to use and how much to use?
Make a paste by adding some water in powdered turmeric. Apply the paste on the affected area and leave for 20 minutes. Do this 4 times a week to eliminate all the lice.
CURE 3: Essential Oils
1. Tea Tree oil
Tea tree oil is rich in antimicrobial properties which help fight body lice. Studies reveal that the success rate of tea tree oil is similar to prescribed medicines.
How to use and how much to use?
Apply to the affected area and leave overnight. Use it 3-4 times a week to see desirable results.
2. Anise oil
Anise oil also suffocates the lice and removes them permanently. A 2018 study revealed that Anise oil was the most effective natural treatment in children.
How to use and how much to use?
If in hair, apply anise oil and leave overnight. Wash your hair the next day and then use the lice comb. Use it thrice a week to eliminate lice.
3. Lavender oil
Lavender has rich antimicrobial properties that kill lice and also soothe skin inflammation. Lavender oil also works well in aromatherapy to relieve stress due to hair or body lice.
How to use and how much to use?
You can massage the oil directly on the affected area and leave overnight. Use this regularly to eliminate the problem of body lice.
[ Read: Coconut Oil for Lice ]
CURE 4: Foods
1. Yoghurt
Yogurt also works as a smothering agent and suffocates the lice. Yogurt mixed with lavender also works as an effective treatment according to many studies.
How to use and How much to use?
Apply it to the aggravated area and leave for 30 minutes. Do this thrice every week.
2. Drumstick
Drumsticks have antimicrobial properties that kill the body lice eggs. Drumsticks have proven to be an effective treatment for centuries.
How to use and How much to use?
Extract the juice from the drumsticks and apply it on the affected area for 30 minutes. Do this 4 times a week.
3. Apricot extract
Apricot extract prevents the spread of infection by killing the eggs. Research has shown that apricot also treats skin rashes and itchiness due to lice.
How to use and how much to use?
Extract juice from apricots and apply it on the infected area. Do this regularly to achieve the necessary results.
| A single female produces between 80 and 100 eggs in her lifetime. |
Prevention
Mentioned below are some tips you can keep in mind to fight body lice.
- Bathe regularly and wear properly washed clothes.
- Do not share necessities with an infected person.
- Avoid sitting on couches placed in public areas.
- Minimize head to head contact with strangers.
[ Read: Essential Oils for Lice ]
FAQs
1. How long can lice live off the body?
Lice can live up to 6-7 days at room temperature.
2. Do body lice bite?
Yes, they bite into the skin to suck blood, which then causes itchiness.
3. What are the signs of body lice?
Itchiness and rashes are common signs of body lice.
