What do body lice look like?

An adult body louse is tan to grey-white in color, with six legs and a body size that is comparable to a sesame seed, according to the Centers for Disease Control. A nymph louse that hatches from a female egg has similar features but is smaller in size.

Body lice are larger in size than other types of lice and can be detected on the skin with the naked eye or a magnifying glass, explains Healthline. Individuals with body lice infestations may also notice lice eggs, also referred to as nits, along clothing seams. Symptoms of a body lice infestation include severe itching, inflamed skin bumps and dark, thick skin in the waist and groin areas.