Crabs Treatment

Self-Care at Home

• Definitive treatment comes from the following drugs:
  • Permethrin 5% (Elimite, Acticin): Be sure to get the 5% cream formula because crabs may be resistant to the 1% liquid form (Nix).
    • Apply to affected area and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water afterward.
    • Avoid mucous membranes, which are found at the tip of the penis and the opening of the vagina.
    • Repeat anti-lice treatment in 7-10 days to kill nits that may have hatched.
  • Lindane (Kwell): An alternative treatment when Elimite is not available.
    • Apply for 10 minutes then rinse with warm water.
    • Lindane should not be used on children. (In the state of California it may soon be impossible to purchase lindane because there is a pending bill to ban its use.)
    • If it is used, follow the same precautions as for Elimite.
    • Repeat anti-lice treatment in 7-10 days to kill nits that may have hatched.
  • Use over-the-counter antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for itching.
  • Combing hair is important to remove eggs. A variety of combs are available commercially. They are sold in most drugstores and online. A popular model is the LiceMeister, which is a product of the National Pediculosis Association.
  • Some doctors recommend trimming your pubic hair with a nonsharp electric razor in order to cut the number of lice and eggs present.