Contents

SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyReferences

View all Images (31)

Pediculosis corporis
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Pediculosis corporis

Contributors: Ruth X. Wang MD, PhD, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Pediculosis corporis (body lice) is an infestation with the organism Pediculus humanus corporis, a 2- to 4-mm, wingless, blood-sucking arthropod whose preferred hosts, as its name implies, are human beings. Body lice are rarely found on the skin, as they live in and lay eggs on clothing and bedding. The infestation is extremely pruritic, especially at night when the lice move to the skin to feed. The bites leave behind macules and papules concentrated in the intertriginous regions.

Body lice are found in all countries and climates and may infest any age group. There is no racial or sex predilection. Pediculosis corporis is associated with poor hygiene, poverty, and being undomiciled.

Mortality related to pediculosis corporis occurs from 3 arthropod-borne diseases that the louse may transmit: typhus (Rickettsia prowazekii), relapsing fever (Borrelia recurrentis), and trench fever (Bartonella quintana). The mainstay of treatment is eradicating the infestation.

Codes

ICD10CM:
B85.1 – Pediculosis due to Pediculus humanus corporis

SNOMEDCT:
25188002 – Pediculosis corporis

Look For

Subscription Required

Diagnostic Pearls

Subscription Required

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential

Subscription Required

Best Tests

Subscription Required

Management Pearls

Subscription Required

Therapy

Subscription Required

References

Subscription Required

Last Reviewed:02/21/2023
Last Updated:02/22/2023
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Pediculosis corporis
A medical illustration showing key findings of Pediculosis corporis : Erythema, Excoriated skin lesion, Lice exposure, Poor hygiene, Pruritus, Smooth papules
Clinical image of Pediculosis corporis - imageId=769280. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'Numerous excoriated papules, some bleeding, on the upper arm and lateral back.'
Numerous excoriated papules, some bleeding, on the upper arm and lateral back.
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.