Specific Suggestions for Getting Rid of Pubic Lice
One you have chosen a medicine, follow these steps for the treatment of pubic lice (except for treating lice near the eyes):
Wash the infested area; towel dry.
Thoroughly saturate hair with lice medication. If using permethrin or pyrethrin, leave medication on for 10 minutes; if using lindane, leave on for only 4 minutes. Thoroughly rinse off medication with water. Dry off with a clean towel.
Following treatment, most nits will still be attached to hair shafts. Nits may be removed with fingernails.
Put on clean underwear and clothing after treatment.
To kill any lice or nits attached to hairs that may be left on clothing or bedding, machine-wash those washable items that the infested person used during the two to three days before treatment. Use the hot water cycle (130°F). Dry laundry using high heat for at least 20 minutes.
Dry-clean clothing that is not washable.
Inform any sexual partners that they are at risk for infestation.
Do not have sex until treatment is complete.
Do not have sex with infected partners until they have been treated and infestation has been cured.
Repeat treatment in seven to ten days if lice are still found.
To treat nits and lice found on eyebrows or eyelashes:
If only a few nits are found, it may be possible to remove live lice and nits with your fingernails or a nit comb.
If additional treatment is needed for pubic lice nits found on the eyelashes, applying an ophthalmic-grade petrolatum ointment (available only by prescription) to the eyelids twice a day for ten days is effective. Vaseline® is a kind of petrolatum, but is likely to irritate the eyes if applied.
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