Among the many indignities that homeless people face is the inability to escape bugs that bite, from parasites such as lice and scabies to common insects, including mosquitoes, spiders, and ticks. The environments in which they live, from crowded shelters to outdoor camps; their inability to wash and change clothes regularly; and their overall poor physical and mental health place homeless people at risk for secondary infections and serious illnesses. This issue of Healing Handsexamines some of the more common problems and discusses how HCH providers can help patients and shelter staff confront stigma and prevent outbreaks and serious complications. (Authors)