Pubic lice, also commonly known as crabs, are tiny insects which infest the hair around your genital area. These are a different type of louse to those which infest your head or body. They get their nickname of crabs because they look like tiny versions of the crustaceans. Keep reading to learn some effective home remedies for crabs.
Crabs are most commonly passed on through sexual intercourse but it is also possible to catch them from sharing clothes, bed linen, or towels from an infected individual.
# Wash Contaminated ItemsWashing bedding, clothing and towels that have been in contact with an individual infected with crabs is one of the best ways to prevent reoccurrence and stop the lice from spreading. Use hot water and soap when you do this to get the best results.
# Petroleum JellyYou can apply petroleum jelly to the infected area using a cotton swab each night. In the morning, you can wash the jelly out. Repeat this process every day for around ten days. This can help to soothe any itching you may be having.
# Hydrocortisone CreamIn some cases, the itching may persist even after your pubic lice have been successfully treated. Hydrocortisone cream can be purchased in many stores and will help to soothe the itching.
# VinegarDiluted vinegar can also make a great home remedy for crabs. Dib a cotton pad or ball into the diluted vinegar and press it against the infected area for thirty minutes. The prolonged contact with the acidic vinegar should help to kill your crabs. You can then use a fine-toothed comb to comb your pubic hair and remove the lice and their eggs.
# Neem Leaves
Making a neem infusion can also work as an effective home remedy for crabs. Simply boil a handful of neem leaves in a pan of water and allow the water to boil. You can then add this infusion to your bath water and bathe in it once it’s reached a reasonable temperature. Soaking in the bath for thirty minutes gives the antiseptic properties of the neem leaves a chance to soothe the itching. Plus, washing thoroughly and going through your pubic hair with a lice comb after the bath can help to rid you of the lice altogether.
# Oatmeal
Washing the area with oatmeal can help to relieve the itching caused by your pubic lice. The soothing qualities will help to relieve the pain while the oatmeal itself should help to rid you of the lice too as the consistency should suffocate them. It will also make it harder for the lice to cling to the hairs which makes it easier to remove them with your lice-comb.
# MilkBathing in milk will also help to soothe the itching caused by pubic lice. After washing the area with the milk, you can run through the hair with a louse comb to remove the lice and their eggs.
# Aloe VeraAloe vera is also well-known for its soothing properties. You can bathe the area in fresh aloe gel to soothe the itching and make the hair slippery so that the lice can’t grip to it. This will make it easier to remove the lice with a fine-toothed comb.
# Tea Tree OilTea tree oil is most commonly used as a treatment for acne and fungal infections, but it also works as a home remedy for crabs. The oil can be diluted and applied to the infected area using a cotton pad or ball. Let the oil sit for ten to fifteen minutes before rinsing with fresh, warm water. The fumes from the oil will suffocate the lice and cause them to die so that they’re easier to remove with your lice comb.