Pubic Lice Symptoms And Treatment: Prevention Of Pubic Lice

Posted on September 20, 2011 by PUP in Alternative Therapies 2

Pubic lice are tiny six legged parasitic creatures that hang on to your pubic hairs, grow and lay eggs in the pubic area. Though pubic lice commonly infest the pubic region, they can be found in other parts of the body, such as hairs of the armpits, eyelashes, eyebrows and hairs on the chest.

A pubic louse is also addressed by the nick name ‘crabs’ because of its close resemblance to sea crabs. The second and third pairs of legs of pubic lice are similar to claws of the crabs. The claws hold the louse tightly to the pubic hairs.

This 1 to 2 mm long insect’s medical name is phthirus pubis.

Causes And Symptoms Of Pubic Lice

Pubic lice prefer thick and coarse hairs where they can stick on to. And for this reason they prefer hairs in the genital region. Pubic lice live on human blood. They suck small amount of blood from the skin surface. The bite of pubic lice causes severe itching. Pubic lice can infect any individual, its prevalence is all over the world, and it is present in both the genders. The host is human being and the lice cannot be passed to and from other animals.

Spread of pubic lice requires close body contact. It generally spreads through sexual activity, or the use of common bathing costumes and lavatories. Risk factors for the spread of pubic lice are multiple sex partners, having sex with a person infested with the pubic lice, or sharing clothing.

Intense itching around the pubic region is one of the most prominent symptoms of pubic lice infestation. Itching worsens during night, when the lice becomes active and burrows its head in pubic hair follicle to suck blood. Due to continuous itching and scratching, the person may be vulnerable to secondary bacterial infection. Tiny red bumps are seen at the hair roots. It may cause eye inflammation if eyelashes are involved. The skin in the region may become discolored and turn slightly bluish.

How To Prevent Pubic Lice?

Considering all the above facts, taking adequate preventive measure will help in eradicating the menace of pubic louse infestation. Since transmission of pubic lice is through intimate sexual contact with an infected person, the best preventive measure is to limit number of casual sexual partners. It decreases the chance of a person getting infected. It is also very important to know that condom has no role to play in preventing the infestation.

Wash your clothes separately once you know about your infection, preferably wash it in laundry detergent and hot water and dry your clothes in a dryer. Good hygienic practice is always preferred to prevent spread of pubic lice.

Treatment For Pubic Lice

Besides usual modern medications to treat pubic lice, there are several pubic lice home treatment options. Pubic lice home remedies are popular because many people feel embarrassed to discuss their problem openly.

  • Over a period of two to three days, wash your pubic hairs or the area affected with vinegar. Treating the lice infestation with vinegar is very effective, as acidic properties of vinegar will kill the lice and its eggs, which are present on pubic hairs.
  • Tea tree oil: add 10 to 12 drops of tea tree oil in the shampoo that you are using and wash your pubic hair with this shampoo on regular basis, till you find relief in your symptoms.
  • Another effective home treatment is petroleum jelly. It is suitable for delicate areas such as eyelashes and eyebrows. Petroleum jelly can also be applied on pubic region. Apply petroleum jelly over the area and wash it with tea tree oil mixed in a shampoo.
  • To get relief from itching, dust cornstarch on pubic area after taking bath.
  • You can also apply aloe vera gel for alleviating itching.
  • Comb the pubic hair with a fine toothed comb. It will remove all the eggs and adult lice as far as possible. Do not forget to soak the comb in hot water for about 15 minutes to kill the lice.

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