How do I manage body lice bite symptoms?

How do I manage body lice bite symptoms?

Try not to scratch your body lice bites. You risk breaking your skin and exposing yourself to infection. If you accidentally break your skin, keep the area clean by washing it with soap and water and covering your lice bites with a bandage. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have infected body lice bites.

There are many over-the-counter (OTC) products that can help stop body lice bites from itching or causing pain, including:

• Antihistamines: Histamine is a chemical created by your immune system. Your body releases histamine after it encounters an allergen. Histamine is what makes body lice bites itch. You can take an antihistamine as a pill, or you can apply it directly to your rash or body lice bites as a cream or ointment.
• Hydrocortisone: Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid. It relieves itching and swelling. You can apply it directly to your rash or body lice bites as a cream or ointment.