A lice-killing lotion containing 1% permethrin or a mousse containing
pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide can be used to treat pubic ("crab") lice.
These products are available over-the-counter without a prescription at a local
drug store or pharmacy. These medications are safe and effective when used
exactly according to the instructions in the package or on the label.
Lindane shampoo is a prescription medication that can kill lice and lice
eggs. However, lindane is not recommended as a first-line therapy. Lindane can
be toxic to the brain and other parts of the nervous system; its use should be
restricted to patients who have failed treatment with or cannot tolerate other
medications that pose less risk. Lindane should not be used to treat premature
infants, persons with a seizure disorder,
women who are pregnant or
breast-feeding, persons who have very irritated skin or sores where the lindane
will be applied, infants, children, the elderly, and persons who weigh less than
110 pounds.
Malathion* lotion 0.5% (Ovide*) is a prescription medication that can kill
lice and some lice eggs; however, malathion lotion (Ovide*) currently has not
been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of
pubic ("crab") lice.
Ivermectin has been used successfully to treat lice; however, ivermectin
currently has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
for treatment of lice.
How to treat pubic lice infestations: (Warning: See special instructions for
treatment of lice and nits on eyebrows or eyelashes. The lice medications
described in this section should not be used near the eyes.)
Wash the infested area; towel dry.
Carefully follow the instructions in the package or on the label.
Thoroughly saturate the pubic hair and other infested areas with lice
medication. Leave medication on hair for the time recommended in the
instructions. After waiting the recommended time, remove the medication by
following carefully the instructions on the label or in the box.
Following treatment, most nits will still be attached to hair shafts. Nits
may be removed with fingernails or by using a fine-toothed comb.
Put on clean underwear and clothing after treatment.
To kill any lice or nits remaining on clothing, towels, or bedding,
machine-wash and machine-dry those items that the infested person used during
the 2-3 days before treatment. Use hot water (at least 130°F) and the hot dryer
cycle.
Items that cannot be laundered can be dry-cleaned or stored in a sealed
plastic bag for 2 weeks.
All sex partners from within the previous month should be informed that
they are at risk for infestation and should be treated.
Persons should avoid sexual contact with their sex partner(s) until both
they and their partners have been successfully treated and reevaluated to rule
out persistent infestation.
Repeat treatment in 9-10 days if live lice are still found.
Persons with pubic lice should be evaluated for other sexually
transmitted diseases (STDs).
Special instructions for treatment of lice and nits found on eyebrows or
eyelashes:
If only a few live lice and nits are present, it may be possible to remove
these with fingernails or a nit comb.
If additional treatment is needed for lice or nits on the eyelashes,
careful application of ophthalmic-grade petrolatum ointment (only available by
prescription) to the eyelid margins 2-4 times a day for 10 days is effective.
Regular Vaseline* should not be used because it can irritate the eyes if
applied.
*Use of trade names is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the Public Health Service or by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
SOURCE:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pubic "Crab" Lice Fact Sheet. <http://www.cdc.gov/lice/pubic/factsheet.html>
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs,
are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure,
including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and the sharing of sexual
devices, such as vibrators. Women can contract all of the STDs, but may have no symptoms, or have different symptoms than men do.
Head lice infection is called pediculosis. Lice are parasites that feed on blood and can be found on the scalp and hair of infected people. Signs and symptoms of head lice infestation include a tickling sensation, itching, and sores on the head. Head lice may be eliminated with various over-the-counter shampoos and washing all clothing and bed linens in the hot water cycle. Combs and brushes should be disinfected, and the floor and furniture should be vacuumed.
Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection (jock itch, vaginal itch), disease (hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney), reactions to drugs, and skin infestations (pubic or body lice). Treatment for itching varies depending on the cause of the itch.
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any
type of sexual exposure, including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and
the sharing of sexual devices, such as vibrators. Although treatment exists for many STDs, others currently are
usually incurable, such as those caused by HIV, HPV, hepatitis B and C, and HHV-8.
Child abuse falls into four categories: neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. There are certain risk factors that predispose a child to being abused and an adult to abusing a child. Risk factors for children are age, children with learning disabilities, adopted and foster children, children with congenital abnormalities, and a past history of abuse. Parental risk factors include young or single parents, those who suffered abuse themselves, adults with substance-abuse problems or psychiatric disease, and those who didn't graduate from high school.
Sexual health information including birth control, impotence, herpes, sexually transmitted diseases, staying healthy, women's sexual health concerns, and men's sexual health concerns. Learn about the most common sexual conditions affecting men and women.
When you are pregnant, many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can be especially harmful to you and your baby. These STDs include herpes, HIV/AIDS, genital warts (HPV), hepatitis B, chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Symptoms include bumps, sores, warts, swelling, itching, or redness in the genital region. Treatment of STDs while pregnant depends on how far along you are in the pregnancy and the progression of the infection.
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