Can Pubic Lice Recur After Treatment? Recurrence Risks

Q: Can Pubic Lice Recur After Treatment? Recurrence Risks

David： Theoretically, there should not be a recurrence unless there is another source of infection that has not been identified. <br>Hello, I am pleased to assist you. <br>Department of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Director Hsu Wei-Kai. <br>If you ha

Can pubic lice recur?

I was diagnosed with pubic lice in early May, and my treatment plan was as follows: (The first treatment was carried out according to the doctor's instructions for three days) 1.
In early May, I shaved my pubic hair for the first time and applied permethrin cream twice daily for three days.
On the fourth day, I shaved again and applied permethrin cream every night for two days.
On the sixth and seventh days, I applied UL ointment.
On the seventh day, I shaved again (I washed all bed linens, pillowcases, and clothing, and dried them at a high temperature of 88 degrees Celsius, and switched to disposable underwear).
After that, I did not experience severe itching at night or blood in my underwear, but I was concerned about a recurrence, so I decided to do a second treatment.
2.
For the second treatment, I applied permethrin cream twice daily for five consecutive days (I washed all clothing and dried them at a high temperature of 88 degrees Celsius, and switched to disposable underwear).
On the second day, I shaved my pubic hair again and carefully shaved the hair around the anal area with an electric razor (to avoid any remaining lice eggs).
On days 8, 9, and 10, I applied permethrin cream twice daily.
Now, I occasionally experience mild itching in the shaved area, which may be folliculitis or eczema.
My family members also underwent a three-day treatment in May, but they had no symptoms at that time and have shown no symptoms since.
Now that two months have passed, can I rule out the recurrence of pubic lice? I apologize for my concern.

David, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/07/08

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

David: Theoretically, there should not be a recurrence unless there is another source of infection that has not been identified.
Hello, I am pleased to assist you.
Department of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Director Hsu Wei-Kai.
If you have any concerns regarding this response, feel free to continue the discussion.

Reply Date: 2010/07/08

More Info

Pubic lice, also known as crab lice, can indeed recur after treatment, and understanding the risks of recurrence is essential for effective management. Based on your detailed treatment history, it appears you have taken significant steps to eradicate the infestation, including shaving, applying topical treatments, and washing all potentially contaminated items. However, there are several factors to consider regarding the potential for recurrence.

First, it is important to note that pubic lice are typically transmitted through close physical contact, often during sexual activity. They can also be spread through infested clothing, bedding, or towels. Since you have treated yourself and your family members, the risk of recurrence from them is minimized, especially if they have shown no symptoms since treatment. However, if you or your family members have had close contact with others who may be infested, there is a risk of re-infestation.

Regarding your treatment regimen, it seems comprehensive. The use of permethrin (the active ingredient in the topical treatment you mentioned) is effective against pubic lice when applied correctly. It is crucial to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider, including the duration of treatment and the need for follow-up applications. The fact that you have not experienced symptoms such as intense itching or visible lice in the weeks following your treatment is a positive sign. However, mild itching in the treated area could be due to other causes, such as folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles) or dermatitis, rather than a recurrence of lice.

To further assess the risk of recurrence, consider the following:
1. Follow-Up: If you continue to experience itching or discomfort, it may be beneficial to consult your healthcare provider for a follow-up examination. They can determine if there is any sign of lice or if your symptoms are due to another issue.

2. Re-Treatment: If there is any doubt about the effectiveness of the initial treatment, a re-treatment may be warranted. This is especially true if you notice any signs of lice or if symptoms persist.

3. Preventive Measures: Continue to wash all clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water and dry them on high heat. Avoid sharing personal items like towels or clothing, and consider using a separate laundry basket for items that may have come into contact with infested areas.

4. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep an eye on any symptoms that may arise in the coming weeks. If you notice itching, irritation, or any signs of lice, seek medical advice promptly.

In conclusion, while your thorough treatment and preventive measures significantly reduce the risk of recurrence, it is essential to remain vigilant. If you have concerns about persistent symptoms or potential re-infestation, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. They can provide reassurance and additional strategies to ensure that you remain lice-free.

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