While head lice is such a common problem in schools that it has practically become a childhood rite of passage with very little stigma associated, the same cannot be said for pubic lice. Unlike head lice, pubic lice is something which people tend to be quite embarrassed about and certainly do not discuss with others; many are hesitant to bring it up even to their own family doctor. It’s not a problem which people should be so ashamed of, but there is certainly something wrong with not treating pubic lice at once and allowing these extremely bothersome pests to spread to others.

Also known by the name crabs, pubic lice are something which anyone can catch. Even though we tend to associate pubic lice with sex, this is hardly the only way which they can be spread. In many cases, people catch these lice without having had any sexual contact – and if you were wondering, you cannot catch pubic lice from a toilet seat either. It is much more common that these pests are picked up by touching clothes or bedding which has been infested with lice. People of all ages can be affected if they are exposed to lice or eggs; and when this happens, it is vital to immediately begin treating pubic lice.

It is the groin area where pubic lice tend to take up residence and if you find yourself having a lot of pubic itching, this may be a sign of infestation. Being able to see lice moving around is a surefire sign, but it is by no means the case that you will see this. Pubic lice go through a few different stages of growth, but even if you don’t see live lice, you may see dead lice or nits if you’ve been infested.

Treating pubic lice as soon as possible is essential if you’ve been infested – and any clothes or bedding in your home needs to be treated as well. Otherwise, the lice will simply come back; their eggs will be lying around and once they hatch, the problem will be right back.

How important is lice treatment? When one person in a dormitory gets infected with pubic lice, the entire dormitory is often sprayed. It is equally important to be just as aggressive when treating pubic lice infestations of the home. At the first sign of pubic lice, your signficant others, or sexual partners should be inspected.

While going through treatment for pubic lice, it is vitally important to bag any bedding, bath towels and clothing. Don’t err on the side of being conservative. If there is any chance the pubic lice or lice eggs could have fallen onto furniture, bedding or clothing, make sure it is washed in boiling hot water or kept stashed in doubly bagged plastic bags until the items can be properly rid of the lice. Bagged in plastic, lice will not have access to food (you) and will die naturally within 2-3 days. Some products which are used to get rid of head lice can be used in treating pubic lice as well. Ask a pharmacist or trusted doctor or specialist about the right products.

Even your curtains and furniture may need to be treated, especially if you have long curtains which sweep the floor. Since washing your curtains and furniture may not be practical, you can use some pubic lice sprays and similar products as an alternative.

As far as treating pubic lice which are living on your body is concerned, the most important thing to do is to keep a careful eye out for signs of lice. You should also inform anyone who may have caught pubic lice from you (or anyone you suspect you may have caught them from ) in order to halt their spread.

You’ll probably need a lice shampoo (also known as a pediculicide) for treating pubic lice; these shampoos can usually be bought over the counter, but keep in mind that they will only work if you make sure to use them as directed. Before using the shampoo, wash the area of the infestation thoroughly and then completely cover the area with the shampoo or other lice treatment. Afterwards, you should remove any dead lice or eggs with a special lice comb.

It is best to buy new underwear or make sure that all bedding, including underwear, has been washed in extremely hot water, as close to 130-160 degrees as possible. The dryer should also be at the hottest setting. Dry cleaning will work for any clothing that can’t be washed.

Jennifer M. O’Leary authors advice about medical issues and diseases, including pubic lice and other common issues. Crabs (a common term for pubic lice) is a STD which effects a few million Americans each year, however, it doesn’t have to be a catastropy. Proper pubic lice treatment options are available.