Pubic Lice Treatment – How to Properly Get Rid of Pubic Lice
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.
What is vitally important is immediate pubic lice treatment, not only of infected people, but on any objects which came into contact with pubic lice. It does little good to get rid of lice on the body if the home still contains dormant lice eggs, just ready to hatch and start the cycle all over again. Treating your home, as well as your body is the only way to ensure that the lice infection will not continue.
How important is lice treatment? When one person in a dormitory gets infected with pubic lice, the entire dormitory is often sprayed. It is equally important to be just as aggressive when treating pubic lice infestations of the home. At the first sign of pubic lice, your signficant others, or sexual partners should be inspected.
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.
The formal name for a lice shampoo is a pediculicide and they can generally be purchased without a prescription. However, there are many ineffective products on the market, so be sure to consult a physician or look at internet or other reviews. Wash the infected area thoroughly before beginning treatment and then make sure the genital area is thoroughly covered with the proper medication for lice treatment. Any dead nits or pubic lice eggs left behind will have to be taken off by hand or with a special 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 medical issues and diseases, including pubic lice and other common issues. Crabs is a STD which effects a few million Americans each year, but it doesn’t have to be a catastropy. Proper pubic lice treatment options are available.
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