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 | Are there any prescription treatments for pubic lice?
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|  Pubic lice (also called crabs) are tiny crab-like insects that usually infest the hair of the pubic area. Over-the-counter medications are very effective in treating pubic lice. They're usually the first choice for treatment. If you tried over-the-counter therapy and it failed, you may need a prescription medication. One application of lindane clears lice infestations about 40 percent of the time. In most cases, treatment should be repeated in seven to 10 days. Since lindane can cause more side effects than over-the-counter treatments, doctors typically prescribed it only if over-the-counter products don't work. Infants, young children, and those with a history of seizures should not use it. Some people try washes such as Elimite or Kwell. Kwell should not be used by pregnant women or children.
Preliminary studies show that an oral medication, ivermectin (brand name Stromectol), may also be a useful option for the treatment of pubic lice. It is not yet FDA approved for this use. Make sure to wash clothing and bed linens in hot water to prevent reinfection with pubic lice. Sources:
Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 2000.
Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. William Morrow & Co., 1996.
Habif, Thomas. Clinical Dermatology. Mosby-Year Book Inc., 1996
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2007.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2007.
Medline Plus. Medline, 2007.
This answer prepared 8/1/2001.
This information updated 1/4/2007.
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