Patient's question:
Doctor, hello. I have crabs and used sulfur ointment, which has improved compared to before. However, sometimes there are still one or two left. I didn't shave my pubic hair when using the sulfur cream. Is that why it keeps recurring? Is it necessary to shave the hair during treatment?Doctor's answer:
Pubic lice are parasites that live on human hair and are a contagious disease that often causes skin itching and rashes. The best way to eliminate them is to remove the pubic hair and burn it, which can cut off the source of infection. The treatment for this condition primarily involves topical medications. First, it is advisable to shave off the pubic hair as much as possible and burn it with fire. Undergarments and briefs should be boiled or ironed. The topical medications include:1. 0.01% permethrin solution. This is an efficient and low-toxicity insecticide. Apply it to make the pubic hair completely moist, and wash it off after 3 days. This medication also kills pubic lice eggs and is harmless to the human body. Note that it should not be ingested or accidentally dropped into the eyes.
2. 25%–50% stemona alcohol extract. Apply it externally twice a day for 3 consecutive days, then use warm rice vinegar to apply, which can break the adhesive substance between the pubic lice eggs and the hair, making it easier to remove the eggs.
3. Other topical medications that can kill pubic lice include 25% benzyl benzoate cream, 1% mercuric alcohol, 1% hexachlorobenzene ointment, 10% sulfur ointment, or Uriage Eczema Cream, among others.
Couples should be treated together.