What helps against pubic lice? - briefly
Effective measures include applying FDA‑approved topical agents such as 1 % permethrin or 0.5 % pyrethrins, using oral ivermectin when indicated, and laundering clothing and bedding at ≥60 °C. Treating all recent sexual partners concurrently prevents reinfestation.
What helps against pubic lice? - in detail
Effective management of an infestation of pubic lice requires a combination of pharmacologic treatment, personal hygiene practices, and environmental decontamination.
First‑line therapy consists of topical pediculicides applied to the affected area. Permethrin 1 % cream rinse, applied for 10 minutes and then rinsed off, eliminates the majority of organisms. Pyrethrin formulations combined with piperonyl butoxide provide a comparable result but must be left on the skin for the recommended duration, usually 10 minutes. For cases unresponsive to over‑the‑counter agents, prescription‑only options include ivermectin 0.5 % lotion, applied for 10 minutes, and malathion 0.5 % lotion, left on for 8–12 hours before washing.
Adjunctive measures enhance the primary treatment:
- Mechanical removal: Fine‑toothed combs can extract live and dead insects from hair after the medicated rinse.
- Clothing and bedding: Wash all garments, towels, and linens used within the previous 72 hours in hot water (≥ 50 °C) and dry on high heat; items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks.
- Sexual partners: Simultaneous treatment of all recent contacts prevents reinfestation; abstaining from sexual activity for 48 hours after therapy reduces the risk of transmission.
- Repeated application: A second dose of the chosen pediculicide 7–10 days after the initial treatment eradicates newly hatched lice that survived the first exposure.
Monitoring for treatment success involves visual inspection 1–2 weeks post‑therapy. Persistent itching or visible insects warrant a repeat of the regimen or a switch to an alternative agent.
Patients with hypersensitivity to insecticide ingredients should avoid topical options and consider oral ivermectin (200 µg/kg) administered as a single dose, repeated after one week if necessary.
In summary, eradication relies on appropriate topical medication, thorough cleaning of personal items, concurrent treatment of partners, and a follow‑up schedule to confirm complete resolution.