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Crab louse, female Pubic louse-male Crab lice Head louse and pubic louse
Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention
Pubic lice
Alternative Names: Pediculosis - pubic lice; Lice - pubic; Crabs Treatment: Pubic lice are best treated with a prescription wash 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-tooth 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. Text Continues Below 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. At the time of treatment, 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 imperative for all intimate contacts to receive treatment at the same time. People with pubic lice should be evaluated for other sexually-transmitted disease at the time of diagnosis. Expectations (prognosis): Adequate treatment, including environmental cleaning, should eradicate the lice. Complications: Secondary infections may occur because of skin break-down from frequent scratching. Calling your health care provider: Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>