Can pubic lice go away on their own?

Pubic lice usually need treatment to clear the infestation. Without treatment, the lice can continue to live and reproduce on your body hair.

Can shaving remove pubic lice?

No. Shaving does not reliably remove pubic lice or their eggs. You need appropriate treatment to clear the infestation.

When should you see a doctor for pubic lice?

Get medical advice if you are unsure about the diagnosis, still see live lice after treatment, develop sore or infected skin, or notice lice around your eyes. You should also seek advice if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and are unsure about treatment.

Pubic Lice Symptoms and Treatment Options

If you are experiencing constant itching in your pubic area, one reason could possibly be pubic lice (crab lice). The itching may become uncomfortable, especially at night. You may also see nits (little eggs) on your hair and small lice moving near the skin.

Pubic lice may affect anyone. They are mostly transmitted through direct contact with an infected person. This condition may affect the coarse hair on other parts of your body. But crab lice do not usually live on scalp hair. Although pubic lice are not an STI, they can be associated with sexual contact. Therefore, your doctor may suggest STI screening, particularly during pregnancy, and provide appropriate treatment if an infection is diagnosed. However, this parasitic infestation can be treated with appropriate treatment and simple hygiene measures.

What Are The Symptoms Associated With Pubic Lice?

You may not notice the infestation immediately. When symptoms appear, itching is usually the first sign.

You may also notice:

Itching, often worse at night
Small red or bluish spots on your skin
Scratch marks or irritated skin
Tiny white, yellow, or greyish eggs attached to hair
Small lice attached to the hair or moving near the skin
Dark spots on your underwear
Soreness after repeated scratching

Pubic lice can sometimes affect other areas with coarse hair, such as:

Thighs
Underarms
Chest
Beard or moustache
Eyebrows or eyelashes

However, itching alone does not confirm pubic lice. Conditions that may cause such symptoms may include:

Eczema
Fungal infections
Scabies

How Are Pubic Lice Diagnosed And Treated?

Your doctor may identify pubic lice by examining your skin and hair. A magnifying lens may be used if the lice are difficult to see. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment usually involves the topical application of medicine that kills the lice on the affected area.

What does treatment involve?

Depending on the treatment advised, you may need to:

Apply the medicine as directed.
Leave it on for the recommended time.
Wash it off as instructed.
Repeat the treatment if advised.
Check the affected area for live lice afterwards.

Do not use more medicine than recommended. It will not make the treatment work faster and may irritate your skin.

Also, shaving your pubic hair alone does not reliably clear the infestation.

What if the lice are still present?

If you can still see live lice after completing treatment, speak to a doctor or pharmacist.

The treatment may not have worked because:

Some affected areas were missed.
The medicine was not used as directed.
You were exposed again.
The lice are less sensitive to the treatment used.

Avoid repeatedly applying the same treatment without professional advice.

How Can You Prevent Pubic Lice From Coming Back?

Once you have been treated, a few simple steps can help reduce reinfestation.

Tips	Significance
Wash recently used clothes, towels, and bedding	Removes lice that may be present on these items
Follow the treatment instructions	Helps clear the infestation properly
Avoid close physical contact until treatment is complete	Reduces the chance of passing or acquiring lice
Ensure close contacts are assessed when advised	Helps prevent reinfestation

You do not need to disinfect your entire home. Pubic lice generally do not survive for long away from the human body.

If your eyelashes are affected

Pubic lice can occasionally affect your eyelashes or eyebrows. Do not apply ordinary lice treatment near your eyes unless your doctor specifically advises you to do so. Treatment around the eyes needs extra care.

With timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment, pubic lice can be cleared effectively, while any associated STIs can also be identified and treated when needed.

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FAQs on What Are The Symptoms And Treatment Options For Pubic Lice?

Can pubic lice go away on their own?
Pubic lice usually need treatment to clear the infestation. Without treatment, the lice can continue to live and reproduce on your body hair.
Can shaving remove pubic lice?
No. Shaving does not reliably remove pubic lice or their eggs. You need appropriate treatment to clear the infestation.
When should you see a doctor for pubic lice?
Get medical advice if you are unsure about the diagnosis, still see live lice after treatment, develop sore or infected skin, or notice lice around your eyes. You should also seek advice if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and are unsure about treatment.

What Are The Symptoms And Treatment Options For Pubic Lice?

Constant and intense itching around your pubic area may be a sign of pubic lice infestation. You may also find tiny lice or eggs attached to your pubic hair. However, this condition can be treated. Our experts explain the signs and when to reach out for professional help.

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