Pubic Lice Treatment

How to Treat Crabs (Pubic Lice): 14 Steps (with Pictures)

2 hours ago Carefully comb through your hair, section by section. Dip the comb in a solution of hot, soapy water to get rid of the nits as you go. When you're done, sterilize the comb by …

Rating: 81%(35)
1. Know what crabs look like. Pubic lice are small parasites commonly seen in the genital region. They have three pairs of legs and peculiar claws on four of their legs. They get the name crabs from their resemblance to crabs. The nits or eggs of pubic lice are shiny, oval, and stick to the base of pubic hair. The eggs usually hatch into ‘nymphs’ in 8-10 days. These mature into adults in about two weeks. Adult pubic lice are smaller and broader than hair lice. They only live in humans and need blood to survive. They may feed up to five times a day.
2. Determine if you have crabs. You'll see nits attached to your hair or lice crawling in your genital area. Pubic lice bite to feed on blood, so you'll notice itchiness that could cause inflamed skin. The biting can lead to tiny bruises in the genital area and severe itching. You may also notice small blood spots in your underwear. Sometimes, you'll have skin lesions that fill with pus from a bacterial infection. They do not however transmit any diseases. In unusual cases, pubic lice have also been found in the eyebrows, eyelashes, and in the armpit region. This can cause itching, red eyes, and inflamed eyelids.
3. Purchase an over the counter medication. Look for 1% permethrin or pyrethrin lotions or shampoos. These lotions are insecticides and neurotoxins to lice. You can purchase them at any supermarket or drugstore. Permethrin or pyrethrin lotions kill only live lice and not the eggs, so you'll need to do a second treatment about a week after the first treatment. This will kill newly hatched lice. If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor to make sure that you are getting the best, safest treatment. Avoid home remedies like taking hot baths or shaving the area. These won't actually kill the pubic lice.
4. Wash the infested area. Before you apply any treatment, you should make sure that your pubic region is clean and dry. Use soap and warm water to completely clean the area infested by crabs. Use a clean towel to dry the area.

Preview / Show more

See Also: Family MedicalShow details