In recent years, head lice epidemics have become so frequent in schools that the stigma has eased. Not so with pubic lice, however, which is still associated primarily with sexual activity or contact. People are reluctant, even ashamed to discuss the subject, even with family doctors. But pubic lice should be no cause for shame but a reality that can be acknowledged so that those affected can discuss effective ways of treating pubic lice and how to find the best methods of control.
Commonly known as crabs, pubic lice can affect anyone; while they can indeed be spread by sexual contact, this is not the only way to catch them and in fact, it is far more common to catch them through other means. Despite the popular myth, you won’t catch them from a toilet seat – but you can catch them by touching clothes or blankets which are infested. Even children can be affected; and when anyone catches these bothersome pests, it’s important to start treating pubic lice immediately.
As you’d expect from the name, it is the pubic area where these lice are most commonly found. If you are experiencing a lot of itching in this area, it may possibly be caused by pubic lice. If you can see lice moving in this area, this is a dead giveaway, but it is important to keep in mind that lice may not be visible at all times. Lice go through several different stages in their life cycles, but you may well be able to spot eggs and dead lice if there is an infestation.
Treating pubic lice should start the moment that the lice are detected. Along with removing the lice from your body, you need to make sure that they are eliminated from your clothing and any bedding or linens which may have been exposed to pubic lice. If you fail to eliminate them from your home, then the problem will quickly recur once their eggs hatch.
One thing to keep in mind is that a pubic lice infestation spreads very quickly. For instance, if even one student living in a dormitory catches lice, the entire building needs to be treated. Treating pubic lice infestations in homes should also be done aggressively. If one person in your household catches lice, it’s only a matter of time before it spreads to everyone else. While adults will most likely have these lice in their pubic hair, children may have them in other spots, particularly their eyebrows. Thankfully, these lice only infest people, so you won’t have to inspect or treat your pets for pubic lice.
If you’re treating pubic lice in your home, double bag all bedding, towels and clothes in plastic until you can wash them to remove the lice. You will also more than likely need to steam clean carpets and other surfaces where pubic lice or their eggs may be hiding. In many cases, shampoos and other products made for treating head lice can be used in treating pubic lice, but your doctor can advise you on what to use.
Treating furniture and even curtains may be necessary as well, particularly if curtains sweep the floor. Ask about effective pubic lice sprays or alternatives to washing the curtains and entire sofas. It is always better to go overboard, versus doing too little when it comes to treating pubic lice. They are resilient, and many times a first attempt they will come back.
As far as treating pubic lice which are living on your body is concerned, the most important thing to do is to keep a careful eye out for signs of lice. You should also inform anyone who may have caught pubic lice from you (or anyone you suspect you may have caught them from ) in order to halt their spread.
You’ll probably need a lice shampoo (also known as a pediculicide) for treating pubic lice; these shampoos can usually be bought over the counter, but keep in mind that they will only work if you make sure to use them as directed. Before using the shampoo, wash the area of the infestation thoroughly and then completely cover the area with the shampoo or other lice treatment. Afterwards, you should remove any dead lice or eggs with a special lice comb.
You might want to just throw away your underwear and replace it when treating pubic lice; you should also wash all bedding in very hot water – at least 130 degrees. After washing, dry your clothes and bedding on high heat as well for at least half an hour to make sure that all lice and eggs present have been killed. Remember to advise any sexual partners who have been exposed to the lice or who may have exposed you to pubic lice about how to start treating pubic lice. It may be embarrassing to admit that you’ve been unlucky enough to catch pubic lice, but it’s far less uncomfortable than living with these pests.
Jennifer M. O’Leary studies and writes about STD’s, including pubic lice and other common issues. Crabs is a STD which effects a few million Americans each year, however, it doesn’t have to be a catastropy. Proper pubic lice treatment cures are available.