Diagnosis

The seams of this piece of clothing contain lice eggs from body lice. (CDC Photo. Courtesy of Reed & Carnrick Pharmaceuticals)

Body lice infestation is diagnosed by finding eggs and crawling lice in the seams of clothing. Sometimes a body louse can be seen crawling or feeding on the skin.

Although body lice and nits can be large enough to be seen with the naked eye, a magnifying lens may be necessary to find crawling lice or eggs.