Pediculosis: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Head lice, body lice and pubic lice (crabs). Pediculosis is also known as lice infestation and is a major problem all over the world. Diagnosis and treatment of lice infestation is very common and is a general medical practice. Pediculosis results in psychological stress in adults, teens and children. Many children usually become a social outcast and unsocial due to this problem. They refuse going to school or other social gatherings. Lice are small parasites which live on the human body, they feed on human blood by piercing the skin. They also inject saliva while drinking blood, this might cause pruritus because of an allergic reaction. A mature female head lice lays about 3 to 6 eggs per day which are known as nits. Immature lice (nymphs) later hatch from the nits in a week and live for about 30 days. There are different species of lice which feed on specific locations of the human body such as head lice (pediculus capitis), body lice (pediculus corporis) and pubic lice or crabs (pthirus pubis).

The use of medicated shampoos or lotions is the best solution for eliminating head lice. However, if you are affected with pubic lice or crabs then a lice killing solution containing piperonyl butoxide, pyrethrins and 1% permethrin can be used. Lindane shampoo is a very popular shampoo which is prescribed to get rid of pubic lice. This should only be used if the amount of lice is excessive because lindane is extremely strong. There are a few precautionary measures which have to be followed before using lindane. It should only be administered after taking a doctor’s advice.

Since Lindane is a strong solution, it should be used with precaution. The affected area has to be washed thoroughly and dried with a towel, then the public hair or any other infested area has to be fully saturated with Lindane. This medicine has to be left in the area for the exact amount of time written in the medicine label, keeping it for longer can lead to occurrence of an allergic reaction. After the stipulated time is over, nits will be stuck to the hair shaft and can be removed by using your fingernails. You can also use a fine toothed comb to brush out the nits or dead lice. After taking out the lice and nits, you should wash the area thoroughly and put on a clean underwear. Clothing items which was worn by an affected person should be washed with hot water and should not be mixed with other laundry for a few weeks. This will prevent the lice from spreading. Pubic lice can also be transferred during sex. It is recommended not to engage in sex with any person who has pubic lice or crabs. If the lice or nits are still found and the pubic area is itchy in 9 to 10 days, then this treatment should be repeated again. People who have pubic lice should also be tested for other STDs (sexually transmitted diseases).

Lindane is not only used to treat Pediculosis, but it can also cure scabies. However, it can have many side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, skin rash, stinging, itching, redness, burning or drying of the skin. These side effects are mild and disappear after washing off the medicine. Some serious complications can occur if you are allergic to Lindane, such as vomiting, seizures, body shaking, swelling of tongue, closing of throat, shortness of breath and hives. If such symptoms occur, it is important to avoid using this solution and go to a doctor as early as possible.

It usually takes one to two uses of Lindane to completely cure pubic lice. Since lindane is very strong, a single use can guarantee the treatment of Pediculosis.

The price of Lindane solution in India ranges from Rs. 30 to Rs. 800.

The results of the treatment are usually permanent, unless you don’t maintain hygiene in the affected area. If you have sex with a person who already has pubic lice, you are more prone to develop it again. In such cases, lindane should be used again for eliminating Pediculosis.