How can I get rid of pubic lice?

Dear Reader and Itching to Know, 

Pubic lice, also known as “crabs,” can be incredibly irritating, but don’t worry! The tiny pests are surprisingly easy to treat once you know how. Using an over the counter (OTC) shampoo or lotion with ingredients targeted to kill lice, as well as washing your clothes, towels, and bedding, can help you to stop feeling crabby. Read on to dive into the itchy world of pubic lice. 

What are pubic lice? 

Pubic lice are small insects that live in coarse hair and feed on human blood, causing an allergic reaction that can lead to itchiness. Although pubic lice like to live in the pubic region, they can also inhabit other hairy parts of the body, such as armpits, facial hair, chest, eyebrows, and even eyelashes. Approximately three million people in the US encounter pubic lice each year. 

Pubic lice reproduce by laying small, white, eggs (called nits) that attach to your hair. In about a week, these eggs hatch and mature within another week into adults ready to lay more eggs. This cycle makes prompt treatment important to prevent wider infestation and skin irritation. 

How do pubic lice spread? 

Pubic lice primarily spread through close physical contact. While this often takes place during sexual activity, pubic lice aren’t sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Rather, the lice hitch a ride during skin-to-skin contact. You can also catch them by sharing clothes, towels, or linens used by someone with pubic lice. Luckily, you can’t contract pubic lice from casual contact, such as hugs or handshakes. 

How can you treat pubic lice? 

Unfortunately, shaving or waxing hair in the affected area(s) won’t solve the problem, since lice can burrow into hair follicles and survive hair removal. However, treating pubic lice is actually quite simple. The recommended approach is to use an OTC shampoo or lotion containing either the active ingredients pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide or the ingredient permethrin. When using one of these products, it’s best to follow the directions on the package closely and apply the treatment to all areas that were affected. However, it’s important to not apply the treatment to eyelashes, even if they were affected.  

If lice do infest your eyelashes, it’s recommended to seek immediate medical attention. A health care provider can prescribe an ointment specifically designed to safely treat eyelash infestations. If standard OTC treatments don’t fully get rid of the lice, stronger prescription medications can be prescribed by visiting a health care provider. 

After the treatment, it’s recommended to wash all clothes, towels, and bedding you’ve been in contact with on the hottest washer and dryer settings (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit). Consider sealing non-washable items in plastic bags for at least two weeks. 

Who should you inform about your public lice? 

It’s recommended to inform your sexual and household contacts from the past two months about your lice. When it comes to crabs, don’t be shellfish! Close contacts should also be treated to prevent further spread. It’s also best to avoid sexual or close physical contact for two weeks following treatment. 

While pubic lice may be uncomfortable, they’re common and manageable. With swift action, thorough treatment, and open communication, you can get yourself out of this hairy situation in no time. 

Good luck,