Treatment of Pubic Lice

Treatment

You can treat pubic lice with a lice-killing lotion containing 1% permethrin or a mousse containing pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide. Shaving and other hair removal methods (waxing, sugaring) will not get rid of pubic 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. If you are unsure if you have pubic lice or if treatment is not successful, see a healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

Warning: See special directions for treatment of lice and nits on eyebrows or eyelashes. Do not use these lice medications near eyes.

Directions

1. Wash the infested area and towel dry.
2. Carefully follow the instructions in the package or on the label.
3. Completely apply lice medication to pubic hair and infested areas. Keep it on for the recommended time, then carefully follow removal instructions on the label or box.
4. Following treatment, most nits will still be attached to hair shafts. Remove nits with your fingernails or a fine-toothed comb.
5. Put on clean underwear and clothing after treatment.
6. Machine-wash and machine-dry items that the infested person used during the 2 – 3 days before treatment to kill any lice or nits remaining on clothing, towels, or bedding. Use hot water (at least 130°F) and the hot dryer cycle.
7. Dry clean clothing and items that are not washable OR seal them in a plastic bag and store for two weeks.
8. Inform all sex partners from the past month that they are at risk for infestation and need treatment.
9. Avoid sexual contact with sex partners until both they and their partners receive treatment and rule out infestation.
10. Repeat treatment in 9 – 10 days if you find live lice.
11. Evaluate and test people with pubic lice for other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Directions for treating lice and nits on eyebrows or eyelashes:

• You may remove live lice and nits with fingernails or a nit comb if there are only a few present.
• Carefully apply prescription ophthalmic-grade petrolatum ointment to the eyelid margins 2 – 4 times a day for 10 days if you need additional treatment.
• Do not use regular petrolatum (e.g., Vaseline) because it can irritate eyes.

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