Pubic lice are small, six-legged parasites. They aren't confined to the pubic area, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. They may also be found in armpits or eyebrows. A common misconception about pubic lice is that you must be sexually active to become infested; however, all that is needed to become infested is coming into contact with the lice, which can occur by putting on clothing that has lice on it, using towels or sheets that are infested, or even lying on carpet or sitting on furniture with pubic lice. Regardless of how you contract the pubic lice, you can get rid of them.
Step 1
Wash the infested area with hot water and soap before attempting to treat the pubic lice, according to the Physicians' Desktop Reference. Dry the area thoroughly.
Step 2
Apply an over-the-counter lice-killing lotion or mousse according to the manufacturer's directions. These products should contain either pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide or 1 percent permethrin, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Step 3
Remove any nits (eggs) or lice that remain attached using either your fingernails or a fine-tooth lice removal comb. Even if you don't see any lice, you should still comb the area thoroughly.
Step 4
Put on clean clothing that hasn't been exposed to the lice.
Step 5
Wash any sheets or clothing that has come into contact with the lice. Use the hottest water possible and dry on the hottest setting possible. For items that can't be dry cleaned or washed, the CDC recommends placing these items in a sealed plastic bag for two weeks.
Step 6
Vacuum carpets, upholstery, rugs, mattresses and any other fabric that may have come into contact with the lice.
Step 7
Advise any sexual partners and all people living in your home to treat themselves for lice. This includes children who may have come into contact with towels or other household items that may be infested.
Step 8
Keep a close eye out for more pubic lice. The CDC recommends a second treatment nine to 10 days after the initial one if pubic lice are still found.
Tips and Warnings
- Get professional treatment if lice return after two rounds of treatment or if the infestation is severe. Prescription treatments are available.
- For pubic lice that have infested the eyebrows, use a lice treatment product made specifically for use in the eye area. Consult a pharmacist or doctor to determine what product is appropriate.
Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Lice-killing lotion or mousse
- Comb
- Plastic bags
- Vacuum
