How are Pubic Lice Treated?

Question: How are Pubic Lice Treated?

Answer: Pubic lice are usually treated with topical pesticides. Any sexual partners you had within a month of showing symptoms should also be examined and treated.

The drug regimens below are taken from the the Centers for Disease Control 2006 STD treatment guidelines. Remember that only your doctor can say which treatment is right for you.

Recommended Regimens For Adults With Pubic Lice

Permethrin 1% cream rinse applied to affected areas and washed off after 10 minutes
OR
Pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide applied to the affected area and washed off after 10 minutes

Alternative Regimens

Malathion 0.5% lotion applied for 8–12 hours and washed off
OR
Ivermectin 250 ug/kg repeated in 2 weeks

Note: The alternative regimens should not be used during pregnancy.

You should decontaminate your clothes and bed sheets by washing them on hot or dry cleaning. Alternatively, no one should touch them for 72 hours. You don’t need to fumigate your house.