Pubic and Body Lice Removal

As the seasons change, some people may deal with the uncomfortable reality of lice infestations. Body lice (Pediculus humanus corporis) and pubic lice (Pthirus pubis), commonly known as “crabs,” are parasitic insects that live on human skin and feed on blood. Their eggs, called nits, are attached to the base of hair shafts and hatch within 7 to 10 days. Lice are primarily spread through close personal contact but can also be transmitted via shared items such as bedding, towels, and clothing.

Transmission and Symptoms

  • Body Lice: Often associated with poor hygiene, body lice infest clothing and feed to the skin. They are most common when regular bathing and laundering of clothing is infrequent.
  • Pubic Lice: These are usually spread through sexual contact but can also be transmitted through infested bedding or towels. A condom does not prevent the transmission of pubic lice, as they live in pubic hair and other coarse body hair.

The main symptom of lice infestation is severe itching, which, if left untreated, can lead to sores and infections. Though lice are not known to transmit diseases, the discomfort and risk of secondary infections make prompt treatment essential.

Treating the Environment

To eliminate lice from your home, it’s also essential to treat the environment:

  • Clothing and Bedding: Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water (at least 130°F). Use a high-heat dryer to kill any remaining lice or nits.
  • Vacuuming: Vacuum mattresses, carpets, and upholstered furniture to remove any lice or eggs that may have fallen off the body.
  • Sealing Items: Place items that cannot be washed, such as pillows or stuffed animals, in airtight plastic bags for two to three weeks to suffocate any remaining lice.
  • Hygiene: Ensure all family members are treated for lice, even if they show no symptoms. This will prevent reinfestation.

Home Remedies for Body and Pubic Lice Removal

Several easy home remedies and methods exist for treating lice on the body and in the pubic area.

Vinegar Treatment

To kill lice, soak hairbrushes, combs, barrettes, and other hair accessories in vinegar and freeze them overnight. Use a lint roller to clean surfaces that may have come in contact with lice-infested hair or body areas, and immediately dispose of the lint roller sheets.

Daily Shampoo Routine

For pubic and body lice, treat infested areas with a lice treatment or tea tree oil-infused shampoo. After shampooing, apply a tea tree oil conditioner and cover the affected area with a plastic shower cap for several hours. Comb out any lice or nits using a fine-toothed comb, then rewash the area. This should be repeated daily for at least three weeks to ensure all nits have hatched and been killed.

Heat Treatment

Lice cannot survive extreme heat. Wash clothes, bedding, and towels in hot water, and use a hot dryer to kill lice and their eggs. For body lice, blow-dry infested hair on a high heat setting or use a flat iron to straighten hair and kill any remaining lice.

Tea Tree Oil

Mix 10 to 15 drops of tea tree oil into your regular shampoo or body wash. Tea tree oil has natural insecticidal properties that help eradicate lice. Using this mixture daily can quickly clear lice infestations.

Mayonnaise Method

Rub mayonnaise into the infested area for a natural treatment and leave it on for a few hours. The thick consistency suffocates lice. Afterward, comb out the dead lice and nits, then wash thoroughly with shampoo.

Onion Juice:

Blend onions and extract the juice. Apply the juice to the affected area and cover it with a shower cap for a few hours. This natural remedy helps kill lice, and the strong sulfuric properties in onion juice also help deter re-infestation.

Listerine Mouthwash

Surprisingly, Listerine mouthwash can be effective in killing lice. Apply it to the scalp or affected area and leave it on for a few minutes. The alcohol in Listerine helps kill adult lice instantly.