Please call 911 immediately if you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you think you have a medical emergency.
Crabs (Pubic Lice) Treatment
1. Remove Pubic Lice and Eggs
Use an over-the-counter lotion or anti-lice shampoo. Follow instructions on the label.
The shampoo will kill the lice, but eggs – nits – may remain on hair shafts. After treatment, remove nits with fingernails, tweezers, or a fine-toothed comb. A mirror, magnifying glass, and a bright light may help.
2. Stop the Spread
Check other family members for crabs. Anyone who sleeps in the same bed as the person should be treated, even if no pubic lice are found.
Wash clothes, bedding, or towels used by the person in the two days before treatment. Use hot water.
Dry-clean or store Items that can't be washed in a plastic bag for 2 weeks.
3. Follow Up
Treatment may need to be repeated 9 to 10 days later.
Avoid sexual contact until the person and sexual partners have been treated and re-evaluated.
4. See a Health Care Provider
To be checked for other sexually transmitted diseases.
If a second round of over-the-counter treatment isn't effective.
If the person develops an infection from scratching the affected area.
If fingers or combs aren't enough to remove lice or nits in eyebrows and eyelashes. A health care provider can prescribe ophthalmic grade petroleum jelly.
WebMD Medical Reference
SOURCES:
CDC: "Pubic 'Crab' Lice, Fact Sheet."
CDC: "'Crab Lice, Treatment."
Reviewed by
Robert L. Norris, MD on November 01, 2011