What Are the Treatments for Crabs and Scabies?

Crabs, or pubic lice, are parasites that get nourishment from human blood. An infestation of pubic lice can easily occur after you have sex with someone who has pthiriasis (crabs). Pubic lice like to live in the groin area of the body. They may also be found in the hair around the eyes, mouth and chest (in men), and in the armpits.

Scabies is a skin condition that is caused when a mitcalled the sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis makes its way under the skin of a human. The resulting symptoms of an infestation of these mites are a rash with papules or pustules and extreme itching. The areas of the body where scabies mites are usually found are the wrist, elbow, penis, breast, shoulder blades and the area between the fingers.

Clothing, Sheets and Towels

• To treat crabs and scabies, first remove all clothes, sheets and towels they may have come in contact with. Wash these items in hot water and dry them in a dryer for no less than 20 minutes, or let them air-dry in the sun, or iron them with a hot iron while they are still wet, or keep them tightly sealed in a plastic bag for four weeks to kill the crabs or scabies.

Hair Combs and Brushes

• Immerse all used hair combs and brushes in rubbing alcohol for 60 minutes. Alternately, soak them in a shampoo made to kill lice; after 60 minutes, rinse them in hot water.

Cleanliness

• Put on freshly laundered clothes at least once a week to get rid of crabs and scabies, as the regular practice of personal cleanliness can significantly help put an end to crab or scabies infestation.

Medication

• Use a pediculicide that has been given to you by your doctor to kill the crabs, or apply a scabicide according to the printed directions.

Eyelashes and Eyebrows

• Remove lice from eyelashes and eyebrows with your fingernails or with a comb designed to remove nits--or apply a prescription ophthalmic petrolatum ointment as directed.

Household Items

• Use a vacuum cleaner to suck up lice from pillows, upholstery, mattresses, rugs, floors and other areas where mites are found.