WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Crab lice, also known as pubic lice, are tiny, light
brown insects that live in hairy areas of the body or in
clothing. The lice lay eggs, called nits, which cling so
tightly to body hair that they cannot be removed with normal
washing. The problem is easily spread from person to person.
With treatment, however, the lice should be gone in 5
days.
Causes
Pubic lice are often spread
during sex. You can also catch them by sharing combs, hats,
clothing, or bed linens.
Signs/Symptoms
You'll first notice itching in
the hairy areas of your body, such as the genital area, scalp,
or eyebrows. You may see red marks and bumps (called hives)
where the insects have bitten your skin. You may even see the
lice themselves on your hair.
Care
Lice-killing shampoos and lotions
will eliminate the problem.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Be careful to apply medication exactly as
directed.
-
Lice-killing medicine does not always destroy all the
nits. You must remove them from your hair with a
fine-toothed comb. A special comb may come with the
medicine. If not, you can buy one at a drugstore. Comb the
lice-infested hair completely, from the skin outward, once
a day until treatment is complete. You do not have to shave
or cut the hair in the affected area.
-
Avoid close contact with anyone until your doctor
tells you the lice are all gone.
-
All the clothes, towels, sheets and blankets you use
during treatment and the 3 days before must be machine
washed. Use hot water, then dry them for at least 20
minutes in a hot dryer. If you do not have a washer and
dryer, iron the items, seal them up in a plastic bag for 10
days, have them dry cleaned, or hang them outside for 2
days.
-
Tell all sexual partners about the problem, so that
they can be checked for lice and
treated.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
The bites become pus-filled or crusty, and your hair
becomes matted or foul-smelling. These are signs of
infection.
-
Itching or red, swollen bite marks return after
treatment.
-
You have any problems that may be related to the
medicine you are using.
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