How to Treat Crabs

Pubic lice are usually found in pubic hair, although they may be found on other parts of the body. They resemble tiny crabs, lay their eggs (known as nits) at the base of the hair, and are usually spread by close physical contact with an infected person, from shared towels and linens or from an infested toilet seat.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Laundry Detergents
• Crabs/ Hair Lice Treatments
• Garbage Bags

1. Treat the area with an insecticide solution formulated for pubic lice. You can purchase one over the counter or by prescription. Use according to the directions.
2. Wash in hot water all linens, bedding, towels and clothing that may have come in contact with the pubic lice. Dry them in a hot dryer.
3. Dry-clean infested items that cannot be machine-washed.
4. Put non-machine-washable quilts and blankets inside a large trash bag and seal it tightly. Leave it sealed for at least 10 days. Pubic lice can survive for only 24 to 48 hours away from the body, but nits may take longer to hatch and then die.
5. Inform your sexual partner and anyone who has shared any bedding or towels with you. They will need to be treated.

Tips & Warnings

• Shaving your pubic hair is not usually necessary, and that alone will not kill the pubic lice.
• Crabs are annoying but are generally not dangerous, and are not carriers of other sexually transmitted diseases.
• Avoid lotions containing lindane. These include products named GBH, Gamene, or Kwell. Check with your pharmacist to make sure your prescription is not for a lindane based product. The National Pediculosis Association strongly advises against using lindane because it has been associated with a number of serious medical condition, including seizures and possibly cancer.