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Public lice are also commonly referred to as crabs and like head lice they are parasitic insects. They infect the genital area and it is quite a common problem. The most common source of infection is through sexual contact but in rare cases infestation can also spread if there is contact with the bed linen, clothes and towels of an infested person.
Contrary to popular belief it can not be spread through using a toilet seat because lice can not survive for much time away from the warmth of a human body and more so they can not hold onto or walk on a smooth surface like that of a toilet seat. These parasites commonly infect pubic hair in the genital area but can also be found at times on hair on the legs, armpits, beard, moustache and eyebrows.
There are a number of remedies and treatments that you can follow at home itself to effectively treat the problem.
To get relief from the itching you can use cold soaks, an antihistamine or calamine lotion. Don't try scrubbing the area with harsh soaps and scratching the hair as this will only cause bruising to the skin in the area, which could result in a bacterial infection only adding to your problems. As soon as your treatment commences make it a point to wash the linen, towels, and clothes that you have been using in hot water.
To begin treatment wash and towel dry the infected area. Apply a lice medication to the hair until saturated completely. Lice medications are available over the counter at almost all pharmacies and drug stores. Rinse off the medicated shampoo after five or ten minutes depending on the instructions given on the product you use. Make it a point to dry yourself well. The nits will remain attached on to hair shafts and can be physically removed.
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