Pubic lice
Alternative names:
crabs; lice - pubic; pediculosis
Treatment:
Pubic lice are treated with a prescription drug, gamma benzene hexachloride 1% (Kwell) shampoo. Apply it to the affected area without wetting the area with water first. 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. 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: At the time of treatment, wash all clothing and linens in hot water. Items that cannot be washed may be sprayed with a pediculocidal spray or sealed in plastic bags and not used for 10 to 14 days. It is imperative for all sexual contacts to be treated at the same time.
People with pubic lice should be evaluated for other STDs 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:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you or your sexual partner have symptoms of pubic lice (both partners should be treated at the same time). If you know that itching is caused by pubic lice, you can try over-the-counter lice treatments, and then call the health care provider if these are ineffective. Also call if symptoms persist after treatment.
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