1. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Slideshow Pictures
2. A Visual Guide to Erectile Dysfunction
3. 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.

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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.

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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.

Lindane (Kwell): An alternative treatment when permethrin (Elimite) is not available. Lindane requires a doctor's prescription.

• Apply for 10 minutes then rinse with warm water.
  
  
• Lindane should not be used on children. Lindane can be toxic to the brain and nervous system and should only be used when other treatments have failed.
  
  

Malathion lotion (Ovide) and ivermectin (Stromectol) are other prescription medications that have been shown to be effective against pubic lice or crabs.

• Use over-the-counter antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for itching.
  
  

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Glossary

Crabs Topic Guide

Must Read Articles Related to Crabs

Lice Lice infestation on the human body (also known as pediculosis) is very common. Itch is the main symptom of a lice infestation. Lice treatment involves using ant...learn more >>

Sexually Transmitted Diseases Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are among the most common infectious diseases in the United States. STDs can be spread through any type of sexual activity ...learn more >>

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