Can Head Lice Live in Pubic Hair?
Pubic lice are tiny parasitic insects that live in pubic hair and feed on the blood of humans. They typically live in the genital area, but they can also live in other areas with coarse hair, such as the eyebrows. These lice are gray and brown in color and can range in size from 1.1 to 1.8 millimeters long. They can only be seen with the aid of a magnifying glass, so it is crucial to identify lice as soon as possible.
Pubic lice are spread through sharing towels and clothes. They cause itching on the skin and eyelashes. This itchiness usually begins one to three weeks after an infestation. It is usually worse at nighttime when the lice are feeding, and may last for a week or more. Pubic lice are oval-shaped and have six legs, including two pairs of back legs. They feed on blood and lay eggs that are yellow or white. If they fall off, they will die within a day or two.
Several treatments are available to kill pubic lice. The first is Malathion (Ovide), a topical lotion that should be applied to the affected area and left on for at least 8-12 hours. Another treatment option is Ivermectin (Stromectin), which is an oral medication that is taken every day for two weeks. This treatment is very strong and can kill the lice. It is also toxic, so it should not be used in infants or pregnant women.