Also known as pubic lice, does shaving get rid of crabs or is it similar to hair lice which needs to be treated medically?
Unfortunately, shaving generally won’t get rid of crabs and you’ll need to use a treatment of some sort to get rid of it. The good news is that such treatments are widely available in both over the counter (OTC) and prescription forms.
Despite rumors of its demise, pubic lice or crabs still affects anywhere from 2% to over 10% of the global population according to medical research on the subject involving interviewing 817 university students, 35 of whom had experienced crabs.
Exact numbers are difficult to determine as crabs are on the one hand considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD) but public infestations or breakouts are not reported.
Crabs are generally passed on by close skin to skin contact with another person who already has crabs ie. sex.
Because of the generally low infection rate, few people experience crabs and thus people’s perceptions of symptoms and treatment options are just that: Perceptions. Many of which aren’t based on fact. To wit…
What Are The Symptoms of Crabs
The main symptoms of crabs include;
- Itchiness in the genital area which often gets worse at night.
- Small bugs in your pubic hair. They are often so small you don’t see them at first.
- White colored eggs may also appear to the naked eye.
- Irritated, red skin in the infected area.
How To Get Rid Of Crabs
Shaving your pubic hair will not get rid of crabs on its own. Similar to getting rid of head lice, the quickest and most effective way to get rid of crabs is as follows:
- Wash all the clothes you wore while infected, particularly underwear and the bedding you used, in the hottest water your machine allows, at least 130 degrees. Heat dry them in your dryer afterwards. Consider getting them professionally cleaned otherwise.
- Have a chat with the person(s) that you were intimate with to ensure they are clean. Did you get it from them or did they get it from you after you got it from someone else?
- Utilize one or more of the below-mentioned treatment options. Consult a doctor if needed to avoid wasting time.
Treatment For Crabs
Since it’s an embarrassing subject not everyone will run out to the doctor to get assistance even though it’s the correct thing to do. Here are treatment options you may consider:
Over the counter (OTC) lotions (containing 1% permethrin) and mousses (containing pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide) are often used in the first instance. You might need up to one week before an OTC medication resolves your crabs issue.
Malathion (Ovide) is a prescription lotion often prescribed by a doctor. They may also prescribe Ivermectin (Stromectol) which is an oral medication taken in one dose (two pills).
Lindane shampoo is also often prescribed but usually not in the first instance for a specific reason according to the CDC: It’s often used only as a last resort due to its high toxicity.
The previously mentioned research went on to describe the attitudes of the 782 students who had never had crabs and asked what their thoughts were on possible treatments. They found the following:
These students deemed antibiotics as a viable treatment for pubic lice infestation. They also indicated negative attitudes toward the use of pesticide crèmes, which are the most useful prescription.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2672365/
Interestingly, pesticide crèmes are actually a very effective treatment despite students having a negative attitude towards them.
Conversely, antibiotics were mentioned by respondents as being a preferred treatment even thought it isn’t considered to be effective.
Short of that, see your doctor and get a medical opinion ASAP and get it cleared it up right.
Conclusion
- Crabs or pubic lice is an STD spread by close skin to skin contact with an infected person.
- Due to the fact that crab outbreaks aren’t actively monitored, it’s difficult to get a handle on the exact number of people infected. Research suggests 2%-10% of the population.
- Shaving your pubic hair won’t result in getting rid of crabs and isn’t the most effective treatment since medical options that work are available.
- Washing all clothes and bedding that you used while infected in very hot (130 degrees) water is very important. Also, heat dry the clothes afterwards.
- Treatments for crabs including OTC medications and prescription medications available from your doctor, as mentioned above.
If you ever had crabs, how did you deal with it and how long did it take? Let us know in the comments below!