In recent years, head lice epidemics have become so frequent in schools that the stigma has eased. Not so with pubic lice, however, which is still associated primarily with sexual activity or contact. People are reluctant, even ashamed to discuss the subject, even with family doctors. But pubic lice should be no cause for shame but a reality that can be acknowledged so that those affected can discuss effective ways of treating pubic lice and how to find the best methods of control.
Also known by the name crabs, pubic lice are something which anyone can catch. Even though we tend to associate pubic lice with sex, this is hardly the only way which they can be spread. In many cases, people catch these lice without having had any sexual contact - and if you were wondering, you cannot catch pubic lice from a toilet seat either. It is much more common that these pests are picked up by touching clothes or bedding which has been infested with lice. People of all ages can be affected if they are exposed to lice or eggs; and when this happens, it is vital to immediately begin treating pubic lice.
Since pubic lice generally live in the genital area, anyone who has excessive itching in the genital area should consider the possibility of lice infection. Of course, any sign of moving lice are an obvious clue but since lice go through several stages of life, many moving lice may not be visible.
What is vitally important is immediate pubic lice treatment, not only of infected people, but on any objects which came into contact with pubic lice. It does little good to get rid of lice on the body if the home still contains dormant lice eggs, just ready to hatch and start the cycle all over again. Treating your home, as well as your body is the only way to ensure that the lice infection will not continue.
One thing to keep in mind is that a pubic lice infestation spreads very quickly. For instance, if even one student living in a dormitory catches lice, the entire building needs to be treated. Treating pubic lice infestations in homes should also be done aggressively. If one person in your household catches lice, it's only a matter of time before it spreads to everyone else. While adults will most likely have these lice in their pubic hair, children may have them in other spots, particularly their eyebrows. Thankfully, these lice only infest people, so you won't have to inspect or treat your pets for pubic lice.
While going through treatment for pubic lice, it is vitally important to bag any bedding, bath towels and clothing. Don't err on the side of being conservative. If there is any chance the pubic lice or lice eggs could have fallen onto furniture, bedding or clothing, make sure it is washed in boiling hot water or kept stashed in doubly bagged plastic bags until the items can be properly rid of the lice. Bagged in plastic, lice will not have access to food (you) and will die naturally within 2-3 days. Some products which are used to get rid of head lice can be used in treating pubic lice as well. Ask a pharmacist or trusted doctor or specialist about the right products.
Treating furniture and even curtains may be necessary as well, particularly if curtains sweep the floor. Ask about effective pubic lice sprays or alternatives to washing the curtains and entire sofas. It is always better to go overboard, versus doing too little when it comes to treating pubic lice. They are resilient, and many times a first attempt they will come back.
When it comes to treating pubic lice on the body, extreme vigilance and observation are a must. First of all, contact anyone who may have been exposed to the pubic life (or caused the infestation). Next step in treating pubic lice? Make sure that the right lice treatment is used.
You'll probably need a lice shampoo (also known as a pediculicide) for treating pubic lice; these shampoos can usually be bought over the counter, but keep in mind that they will only work if you make sure to use them as directed. Before using the shampoo, wash the area of the infestation thoroughly and then completely cover the area with the shampoo or other lice treatment. Afterwards, you should remove any dead lice or eggs with a special lice comb.
It is best to buy new underwear or make sure that all bedding, including underwear, has been washed in extremely hot water, as close to 130-160 degrees as possible. The dryer should also be at the hottest setting. Dry cleaning will work for any clothing that can't be washed.
Also known by the name crabs, pubic lice are something which anyone can catch. Even though we tend to associate pubic lice with sex, this is hardly the only way which they can be spread. In many cases, people catch these lice without having had any sexual contact - and if you were wondering, you cannot catch pubic lice from a toilet seat either. It is much more common that these pests are picked up by touching clothes or bedding which has been infested with lice. People of all ages can be affected if they are exposed to lice or eggs; and when this happens, it is vital to immediately begin treating pubic lice.
Since pubic lice generally live in the genital area, anyone who has excessive itching in the genital area should consider the possibility of lice infection. Of course, any sign of moving lice are an obvious clue but since lice go through several stages of life, many moving lice may not be visible.
What is vitally important is immediate pubic lice treatment, not only of infected people, but on any objects which came into contact with pubic lice. It does little good to get rid of lice on the body if the home still contains dormant lice eggs, just ready to hatch and start the cycle all over again. Treating your home, as well as your body is the only way to ensure that the lice infection will not continue.
One thing to keep in mind is that a pubic lice infestation spreads very quickly. For instance, if even one student living in a dormitory catches lice, the entire building needs to be treated. Treating pubic lice infestations in homes should also be done aggressively. If one person in your household catches lice, it's only a matter of time before it spreads to everyone else. While adults will most likely have these lice in their pubic hair, children may have them in other spots, particularly their eyebrows. Thankfully, these lice only infest people, so you won't have to inspect or treat your pets for pubic lice.
While going through treatment for pubic lice, it is vitally important to bag any bedding, bath towels and clothing. Don't err on the side of being conservative. If there is any chance the pubic lice or lice eggs could have fallen onto furniture, bedding or clothing, make sure it is washed in boiling hot water or kept stashed in doubly bagged plastic bags until the items can be properly rid of the lice. Bagged in plastic, lice will not have access to food (you) and will die naturally within 2-3 days. Some products which are used to get rid of head lice can be used in treating pubic lice as well. Ask a pharmacist or trusted doctor or specialist about the right products.
Treating furniture and even curtains may be necessary as well, particularly if curtains sweep the floor. Ask about effective pubic lice sprays or alternatives to washing the curtains and entire sofas. It is always better to go overboard, versus doing too little when it comes to treating pubic lice. They are resilient, and many times a first attempt they will come back.
When it comes to treating pubic lice on the body, extreme vigilance and observation are a must. First of all, contact anyone who may have been exposed to the pubic life (or caused the infestation). Next step in treating pubic lice? Make sure that the right lice treatment is used.
You'll probably need a lice shampoo (also known as a pediculicide) for treating pubic lice; these shampoos can usually be bought over the counter, but keep in mind that they will only work if you make sure to use them as directed. Before using the shampoo, wash the area of the infestation thoroughly and then completely cover the area with the shampoo or other lice treatment. Afterwards, you should remove any dead lice or eggs with a special lice comb.
It is best to buy new underwear or make sure that all bedding, including underwear, has been washed in extremely hot water, as close to 130-160 degrees as possible. The dryer should also be at the hottest setting. Dry cleaning will work for any clothing that can't be washed.
About the Author:
Jennifer M. O'Leary studies and writes about medical issues and diseases, including pubic lice and other common issues. Crabs is a STD which effects a few million Americans each year, however, it doesn't have to be a tragedy. Proper pubic lice treatment cures are available.
No comments:
Post a Comment