Medical Health Encyclopedia

Pubic lice


InjuryDiseasesNutritionPoison
SymptomsSurgeryTestSpecial Topic
Crab lice
Crab lice
Crab louse, female
Crab louse, female
Head louse and pubic louse
Head louse and pubic louse
Pubic louse-male
Pubic louse-male
Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention
Alternative Names

Pediculosis - pubic lice; Lice - pubic; Crabs


Treatment

Pubic lice are best treated with a prescription wash containing permethrin, such as Elimite or Kwell:

  • Thoroughly work the shampoo into the pubic hair and surrounding area for at least 5 minutes.
  • Rinse well.
  • Comb the pubic hair with a fine-toothed comb to remove eggs (nits). Applying vinegar to pubic hair before combing may help loosen nits, but the hair should be dry when applying the shampoo.

A single treatment is all that is usually needed. If another treatment is recommended, it should be done 4 days to 1 week later.




Over-the-counter medications for the treatment of lice include Rid and Nix. Malathione lotion is another treatment option.

While you are treating pubic lice, wash all clothing and linens in hot water. Items that cannot be washed may be sprayed with a medicated spray or sealed (suffocated) in plastic bags and not used for 10 - 14 days. It is important for all intimate contacts to be treated at the same time.

People with pubic lice should be evaluated for other sexually-transmitted infections at the time of diagnosis.


Support Groups


Expectations (prognosis)

The proper treatment, including thorough cleaning, should get rid of the lice.


Complications

The constant scratching and digging can cause the skin to become raw, and secondary infections may develop.


Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

  • You or your sexual partner has symptoms of pubic lice
  • You try over-the-counter lice treatments and they are not effective
  • Your symptoms continue after treatment


Review Date: 10/04/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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