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Pubic pediculosis
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
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Recommended treatment regimens for pubic lice
Permethrin 1% cream, applied to affected areas and washed off after 10 minutes.
Or Lindane, 1% shampoo is applied for 4 minutes and then washed off with water (not recommended for pregnant or nursing women or children under 2 years of age)
Or Pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide are applied to the affected areas and washed off after 10 minutes.
Lindane therapy is still the least expensive; toxicity (seizures, aplastic anemia) has not been reported when treatment is limited to the recommended 4 minutes. Permethrin is the least toxic when used incorrectly.
Other considerations for patient management
The recommended regimens should not be used for application in the eye area. For pediculosis of the eyelashes, it is necessary to use an occlusive eye ointment, which is applied to the edges of the eyelids 2 times a day for 10 days.
Bedding and linens should be decontaminated (machine wash or tumble dry on high heat; dry clean) and should not come into contact with the body for at least 72 hours. Fumigation of the living area is not required.
Further observation
If symptoms persist, the patient should be re-examined in a week. If lice or nits are found at the base of the hair, repeat treatment may be necessary. If treatment according to one of the recommended regimens is ineffective, the patient should be treated according to an alternative regimen.
Treatment of sexual partners
It is necessary to treat sexual partners with whom the patient has had contact within the last month.
Treatment of pubic lice during pregnancy
Pregnant and lactating women should be treated with permethrin or pyrethrin with piperonyl butoxide.
Treatment of pediculosis pubis in HIV infection
People with HIV infection and pubic lice should receive the same treatment as people without HIV infection.
Drugs