Medically reviewed by Josephine Hessert, DO Body lice are tiny insects that live in clothing, bedding, and other fabrics.

Cleopatra, for example, was buried with solid gold lice combs, while other Egyptians would shave their entire bodies to try and get rid of the parasites. So, it's a problem we've had for a while ...

In pre-Columbian times, as today, people apparently resisted cutting off all the hair, the easiest way to get rid of lice. “Vanity is stronger than itching,” says lead scientist Bernardo Arriaza.