(HealthDay News) -- Lice are tiny parasites that feed on blood, then lay eggs and produce waste on skin and clothing.

Lice can live on the skin, the hair on the head, or in pubic hair. They can be easily transmitted from person to person via direct contact, or by sharing contaminated clothing or bedding.

Body lice, in particular, live primarily in clothing, making it crucial to thoroughly wash infested garments.

Here are common symptoms of lice, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

• Severe itching.
• Red bumps on the skin.
• Lice can be visible to the eye, and are especially likely to gather in the seams of clothing.

The skin, clothing, groin and scalp should be examined for lice. The parasites can be eliminated with prescription washes or creams.