Lice infestations can be frustrating and confusing—but not all lice are created equal. Many people are surprised to learn that body lice and head lice are two different species with distinct behaviors, habitats, and health concerns.

In this post, we’ll explore the key differences between body lice and head lice, including how they live, how they spread, and why understanding the difference matters for effective treatment.

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🧴 What Are Head Lice?

Scientific name: Pediculus humanus capitis
Habitat: The human scalp
Size: 2–3 mm in length
Color: beige/brown to Grayish

Head lice live exclusively on the human scalp, feeding on blood several times a day. They lay tiny eggs (nits) on the hair shaft, very close to the scalp where warmth helps them hatch.

How Head Lice Spread:

• Direct head-to-head contact is the most common form of transmission (think school, sleepovers, sports).
• Less commonly, lice may be spread by sharing combs, hats, or hair accessories—though this is very rare.
• Lice do not jump or fly—they crawl.

Health Impact:

• Itchy scalp due to allergic reactions to bites
• Do NOT spread disease
• Common in school-aged children regardless of hygiene

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👕 What Are Body Lice?

Scientific name: Pediculus humanus corporis
Habitat: Clothing and bedding, body hair
Size: 2.3–3.6 mm in length
Color: Similar to head lice, but slightly larger

Body lice live and lay eggs in seams of clothing and bedding, and only crawl onto the skin to feed. They are typically associated with poor hygiene and overcrowded living conditions.

How Body Lice Spread:

• Prolonged skin or clothing contact with an infested person
• Infested bedding, towels, or clothes in group living situations
• Common in people experiencing homelessness or living in unsanitary conditions

Health Impact:

• Intense itching, skin rash
• Can spread diseases, including:
  • Epidemic typhus
  • Trench fever
  • Relapsing fever
    (Source: CDC)

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🧬 Key Differences Between Head Lice and Body Lice

Feature	Head Lice	Body Lice
Location	Scalp and hair	Clothing and bedding
Egg Location	On hair shafts	In seams of clothing
Transmission	Head-to-head contact	Clothing/bedding contact
Disease Risk	No	Yes (typhus, trench fever, etc.)
Hygiene Connection	Not related to hygiene	Often associated with poor hygiene

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🛡️ How to Treat Each

Head Lice:

• Daily combing with a lice comb for 10–14 days
• Use of non-toxic, chemical-free products like NitBlock Daily Repellent Spritz
• Avoid contact with infested individuals
• Seek professional help when infestations persist

Body Lice:

• Dispose of or wash clothing and bedding in hot water
• Improve personal hygiene and living conditions
• Seek medical attention for symptoms or suspected disease

Pubic Lice:

Pubic lice, also known as Pthirus pubis or “crabs,” are a completely different species from head lice and infest coarse body hair—most commonly in the pubic area, but also sometimes in armpits, chest hair, beards, and even eyelashes. Unlike head lice, which live and lay eggs on the scalp, pubic lice attach to thicker, shorter hairs and are primarily spread through intimate or sexual contact. They are not a sign of poor hygiene and cannot jump or fly. Treatment typically involves the use of topical insecticides like permethrin cream or prescription medications. Bedding, towels, and clothing should be washed in hot water, and sexual partners should also be examined and treated to prevent reinfestation. Unlike head lice, pubic lice do not infest the scalp and require a different approach for effective removal including the care of a medical professional.

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🚫 Can You Get Body or Pubic Lice from Head Lice?

No. While both are types of Pediculus humanus, they do not cross infest. Head lice cannot become body lice and vice versa. And lice cannot jump from pets to humans—lice are species-specific.

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🧠 Final Thoughts

Understanding the differences between head lice and body lice can help you treat and prevent infestations more effectively.

If your child has lice, it’s almost always head lice, which are non-dangerous but annoying. If you suspect body lice, especially in high-risk environments, it may require medical attention.

✅ For head lice screening, treatment, and prevention, trust Lice Care Associates Danvers—serving families across Boston, the North Shore, and Southern NH.

📞 Call or text us at 978-907-3245 today!