Buzz
Pubic lice are parasitic insects that primarily inhabit the pubic hair area of humans. They can also be found in other coarse body hair such as leg hair, mustache, beard, eyebrows, eyelashes, and underarms. Pubic lice are most commonly transmitted through sexual contact, but they can also spread via towels, clothing, and bed linens. Similar to head lice, the main symptom of pubic lice is itching, and visible lice eggs may appear in the affected areas. There are various treatment options available for pubic lice, ranging from medications to natural home remedies. Keep reading to learn how to treat and prevent pubic lice.
Steps
Choose a treatment method
Use a 1% permethrin solution. Products containing permethrin, pyrethrins, or piperonyl butoxide are highly effective for treating pubic lice. You can buy lotions, creams, or sprays that contain permethrin without a prescription, or ask your doctor for a prescription. Permethrin works by blocking the nerve impulses of pubic lice, disrupting their breathing process – in other words, it suffocates and kills the lice. Common brand names include Rid, Nix, and Pyrinex.
- Always follow the instructions on the packaging of any product, whether prescription or over-the-counter. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Consider using a 0.5% malathion solution (Ovide). Malathion is effective in killing pubic lice and some of their eggs, although it may not eliminate all eggs. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for head lice treatment, but has also been proven effective for pubic lice.
- Always follow the instructions on the packaging for any product, whether prescription or over-the-counter. If you have any questions about using this product, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
- Malathion solution is flammable, so avoid applying it near open flames or heat sources.
- Malathion 0.5% is only recommended for individuals aged 6 years and older.
Ask your doctor about ivermectin. If creams and lotions aren't effective, you may want to ask your doctor about ivermectin. Ivermectin is an oral medication available by prescription. A single dose of two tablets is usually sufficient for treatment. Common brand names include Heartgard and Stromectol.
- Always follow the instructions on the packaging for any product, whether prescription or over-the-counter. If you have any questions about using this product, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
- Ivermectin is not FDA-approved for treating pubic lice, but it has been shown to be effective. In the U.S., this medication is not recommended for children weighing under 15 kg, and pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid taking ivermectin.
Ask your doctor about using lindane shampoo or lotion if other treatments are ineffective. Lindane is a prescription medication used as a last resort treatment. It is very effective in treating pubic lice but carries potential risks of serious side effects, such as seizures. For this reason, lindane is not the preferred treatment for pubic lice and should only be used when other treatments have failed or are not tolerated. The following groups should avoid using lindane:
- Premature infants
- People with seizure disorders
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People with highly sensitive or irritated skin in the area where lindane is applied
- People weighing less than 50 kg
- If your doctor prescribes lindane, it is likely because the benefits outweigh the risks, but discuss any concerns with your doctor before using this product.
- Always follow the instructions on the packaging before applying lindane. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Eliminating pubic lice
Clean the genital area. Thoroughly wash the genital area before applying any creams or solutions. The skin absorbs the product more effectively when it is free of dirt and impurities.
- After cleaning the area, be sure to dry it completely, as most creams and solutions should be applied to dry, clean hair and skin.
Apply the lice treatment you have chosen. Follow the instructions carefully for the best results. Be sure to consult a doctor if you have any questions about how to use the product.
- Carefully apply the product to the affected area according to the instructions on the packaging.
Pay attention to how long the product needs to stay on your skin. Shampoos typically need only 10 minutes, while creams and lotions should remain on the skin for 8-14 hours. Make a note of when you apply the treatment and set a timer to monitor the duration.
Rinse off the treatment and dry thoroughly. After allowing the product to stay on the skin for the recommended time, rinse it off with warm water. This helps remove dead lice and their eggs from the skin. It's important to eliminate all remnants of the parasites, as they can cause hygiene issues if left behind.
- Keep your used towel separate from other clothes and fabrics. Wash the towel alone to prevent cross-contamination with other garments and items.
- In some cases where lice eggs remain in hair follicles, you may need to use your fingernails or a fine-toothed comb to remove them.
Wear fresh, clean clothes. Ensure you wear new, clean underwear and clothing to prevent reinfection. Any clothes worn during the lice infestation should be washed immediately.
Wash all potentially contaminated fabrics. Clothes, bed linens, and towels that have been exposed to lice should be washed in hot water. The hotter the water, the better – at least 55°C. It's also a good idea to put the items in a dryer and dry them on a hot setting until completely dry.
- Wash all fabrics you've used 2-3 days before starting treatment.
- Blankets, comforters, and carpets should be sealed in a plastic bag for 1-2 weeks to kill pubic lice. This prevents them from feeding and ensures they eventually die.
Repeat the treatment if pubic lice are still present. You may need to repeat the treatment in about a week. Follow the instructions on the packaging or your doctor's guidance. It is recommended to repeat the treatment to ensure all lice are eliminated, even if you think they are gone.
- In some cases, pubic lice may move to a different area and return after you've treated the infected region; however, this is rare.
Use natural remedies
Comb the pubic hair. If you have only a few lice, using a fine-toothed comb to remove the pubic lice and eggs can be a simple and effective method. This process takes time, as it may take up to 14 days to manually eliminate all the lice and eggs. It is often combined with another natural treatment.
Apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline). Petroleum jelly suffocates pubic lice. Apply a generous amount of jelly to the pubic area. Ensure that the jelly covers the entire pubic hair so that you can easily comb out the lice eggs. You may apply it as often as needed to kill the lice and their eggs.
- Note that regular petroleum jelly should not be used for lice on the eyebrows or eyelashes, as it can irritate the eyes. However, a doctor may prescribe medical-grade petroleum jelly that can be safely applied to the eyebrows and eyelashes.
Shave the pubic hair. Shaving the pubic hair closely may enhance the effectiveness of other lice treatments, whether natural remedies or over-the-counter and prescription medications. However, shaving alone is not enough to effectively treat pubic lice, as they can move to other body hair areas.
Preventing Recurrence
Avoid Close Contact or Sexual Activity. Pubic lice are typically transmitted through sexual contact, so it's best to refrain from any sexual activity until the infestation is completely eradicated. Any close contact, such as sharing a bed or being in close proximity to someone infected with pubic lice, increases the risk of re-infestation.
- Although condoms can protect against most sexually transmitted diseases, they do not provide full protection against pubic lice.
Limit the Number of Sexual Partners. Just like with other sexually transmitted diseases, the more sexual partners you have, the greater the risk of being infected with or transmitting pubic lice. Initially, you might not be aware of the infestation. Therefore, it's advisable to limit sexual contact.
Inform Those You’ve Had Close Contact With So They Can Get Treated. For the health of those around you, it’s important to tell them you're undergoing treatment for pubic lice and suggest they get treated as well. While discussing pubic lice with your partner may feel awkward, it’s essential to prevent bigger problems down the road – they’ll likely figure it out anyway.
- Avoid sexual contact until both partners are treated. Both of you need to be treated before engaging in any sexual activity.
Avoid Sharing Personal Items. Do not share combs, towels, pillows, or blankets with others if one of you is infected with pubic lice. It’s better to use your own items instead of borrowing someone else’s to prevent the risk of transmission.
- Any items that come into contact with skin or hair can be contaminated, from combs and towels to bed sheets and pillows. If there’s any possibility of exposure, disinfect these items and keep them for personal use only.
Wash Bed Linens Before Reusing. Pubic lice can travel to any surface while you sleep and can remain on your bed. Before and after treatment, you should replace your bed sheets and pillowcases and wash them thoroughly to prevent re-infestation.
- You can also clean other surfaces, like in the bathroom. Washing with warm water and a disinfectant solution will help stop and eliminate harmful microbes.
- Wash clothes in hot water above 30°C with detergent and fabric softener for disinfection.
Advice
- Follow the specific instructions from your doctor and the guidelines on the medication or topical treatment packaging.
Warnings
- Read the warnings on both prescription and over-the-counter products used to treat pubic lice. If any severe side effects occur, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention.
- The presence of pubic lice in the eyebrows and eyelashes of children is often an indication of sexual abuse, but children may also become infected from sharing a bed with an infected parent.
