TESTING FOR PUBIC LICE AND TREATMENT

A health care provider can usually diagnose pubic lice by examining the affected areas,- in addition, the nits and lice can be examined under the microscope.

TREATMENT

Pubic lice are treated with topical creams, such as lindane shampoo, permethrin cream rinse, or pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide. Some of these medications are available without a prescription. People in the following categories should not be treated with lindane: children younger than two years of age, pregnant or breast-feeding women, people with skin rashes that affect a large area of skin, and anyone with a neurological disorder. Lindane should not be applied to mucous membranes (in the eyes, mouth, or vagina), and it should not be applied after bathing.

The medications are applied to all infected areas (excluding the eyelashes), left on for a brief period (usually four to ten minutes, depending on the one used) and then washed off. Retreatment may be necessary if symptoms last more than a week after the first treatment. After treatment, the nits on the hair can be removed with a fine-toothed comb.

Lice infestation of the eyelashes is treated by applying a heavy layer of petroleum jelly to the eyelashes twice a day for about ten days. This kills the nits by smothering them. Standard lice treatments can be harmful to the eyes and therefore should not be applied to the eyelashes.

Bedding and clothing that has been in contact with an infected person within the last seventy-two hours must also be treated, either by washing it in hot water and drying it on the hot cycle of the dryer, by dry cleaning, or by keeping it away from contact with people for at least seventy-two hours, after which time the lice will have died.

Treatment of all sexual partners within the past month is recommended, even if they have no symptoms. Treatment of furniture and pets is not required. People who have not had intimate contact with the infected person, or who have not slept in the person’s bedding or worn his or her clothing, do not need to be treated.

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