Symptoms of Pubic Lice

• Itching of the pubic area is the main symptom.
• A rash may be present.
• The nits (eggs) are easier to see than the lice. Nits are tiny white specks attached to hairs close to the skin. Unlike dandruff or sand, nits can't be shaken off the hair shafts.

Cause

• A parasite, also known as the pubic louse or "crab louse"
• The lice most often infest the genital and anal areas, though other hairy parts of the body may also be involved. But, the scalp is rarely involved by the pubic louse.
• Pubic lice are 1⁄16-inch (2 mm) long, gray-colored bugs. They move quickly and are hard to see.
• They are the size of a sesame seed.
• The lice feed on blood from the skin. While the bug is sucking blood, some of its secretions get mixed in. Any rash, bumps or hives are the body's reaction to the bug's saliva.

When to Call for Pubic Lice

Care Advice

What You Should Know about Pubic Lice:

• Pubic lice can be treated at home
• With careful treatment, all lice and nits (lice eggs) are usually killed.
• The lice most often infest the genital and anal areas.
• There are no lasting problems from having pubic lice.
• Pubic lice are often spread by contact through sex. They may also be spread through clothing, towels and bedding.
• They do not carry any diseases.
• Here is some care advice that should help.

Treatment - Anti-Lice Shampoo:

• Buy anti-lice creme rinse (such as Nix) and follow package directions. No prescription is needed.
• First, wash the genital and anal area with soap or a regular shampoo. Then, towel dry it before using the anti-lice creme rinse. Do not use any moisturizer after washing. Reason: it will interfere with Nix.
• Shake the bottle of Nix well. Pour 2 ounces (full bottle or 60 mL) of Nix into damp hair.
• Work the creme rinse into all the hair in the pubic and genital area, down to the roots.
• Leave the shampoo on for a full 10 minutes. If you don't, it won't kill all the lice. Then rinse the pubic hair well with warm water and dry it with a towel.
• Repeat the anti-lice shampoo in 9 days. Be sure to do this or the lice may come back. Two treatments are always needed. The second treatment will kill any new lice that have hatched from eggs.

Remove the Dead Nits:

• Nits can be removed by combing with a special nit comb (small tooth comb). Clean the comb well and wipe the nits from the comb as you use it.
• You can also pull the nits out one at a time using your fingernails.
• Check the area daily to remove any nits you might have missed.
• Removing the dead nits is not urgent. Nits (lice eggs) do not spread lice. Most treated nits (lice eggs) are dead after the first treatment with Nix. The others will be killed with the 2nd treatment.

Notify Close Contacts:

• Let any sex partners for the past month know they are at risk for pubic lice. If lice or nits are seen, they should also treat with Nix.
• Avoid sexual contact until pubic lice are treated twice.

Wash Clothing and Bedding:

• Wash your sheets and blankets. Wash any clothes worn in the past several days. Wash in hot water (130° F or 54° C). This kills lice and nits.
• Do not share clothing, bedding or towels with anyone.
• Lice that are off the body rarely cause infection. Reason: lice can't live for over more than 24 hours off the human body.
• Items that can't be washed (like comforters) should be set aside. Put them in sealed plastic bags for 2 weeks. This is the longest period that nits can survive.

What to Expect:

• Make sure to repeat the Nix in 9 days. If you don't, the lice may come back.
• With 2 treatments, all lice and nits should be killed.
• If lice do come back, it can mean another contact with an infected person. It can also mean that a prescription shampoo may be needed.

Call Your Doctor If:

• New lice or nits are seen in the pubic/genital area
• Rash or itch lasts more than 1 week after the anti-lice treatment
• Sores on pubic or genital area start to spread or look infected
• You think you need to be seen
• Your symptoms get worse

Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.




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