Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Slideshow Pictures A Visual Guide to Erectile Dysfunction Take the Quiz on STDs

Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

View Full Profile

When to Seek Medical Care

Generally, pubic lice can be cured with an application of certain medications, but in some circumstances it may be necessary to seek a doctor's care.

Go to a doctor immediately if you think you may have an infection.

• One of the main concerns with pubic lice is that people often scratch incessantly, and this scratching can lead to a secondary bacterial infection.
  
  
• When scratching is intense for long periods, the skin can be worn and broken.
  
  
• If you notice a large area of redness or pus in the area, you may have a skin infection.
  
  
• Other signs of a pubic infection include a fever, burning when you urinate, or a genital discharge.

Permethrin (Elimite) is a lice-killing product that is available over-the-counter without a prescription. When using this product it is important to exactly follow the instructions on the package.

• Avoid mucous membranes, which are found at the tip of the penis and the opening of the vagina.
  
  
• Repeat anti-lice treatment in seven to 10 days to kill nits that may have hatched.