What's eating you? human body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis)

Compared to head and pubic lice, body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) carry increased morbidity in the form of greater body surface area involvement, possible infectious disease transmission, and the potential for secondary iron-deficiency anemia. They thrive in high-density urban populations in which hygiene is poor, such as among the homeless. Treatment includes washing of affected individuals, their possessions, and treatment with topical insecticides. Growing patterns of treatment resistance seen in body lice necessitate development of new strategies, with oral medications serving as a promising option.