What to Look for / Symptoms
- The number one way to get crabs is from sexual contact. Therefore, sexual partners should be treated simultaneously to avoid re-infestation. The lice are very small and look like brown or grey dots on the skin. Crabs usually cause intense itching and lay small white eggs on the hair shaft, generally close to the skin surface. In hairy individuals, crabs may be present on the short hairs of the thighs and trunk, underarms, and occasionally on the beard or mustache.
- It's possible to get crabs from infected bedding, towels and clothes. Although highly unlikely, it is theoretically possible to get crabs from a toilet seat.
- Crabs are equal opportunity pests found in the genital areas of men and women.
- The most common symptom of crabs is extreme itching in the genital area.
- Crabs are slightly larger than sesame seeds and resemble miniature crabs. They can be found by closely examining the genital area under a bright light.
Treatment
- Crabs treatment is similar in manner to that used for head lice. It is important to treat the infected area thoroughly, which will include anal hairs and on the thigh area. Lice will spread to these surrounding areas, so complete treatment is necessary. It is also a good idea to treat sexual partners to reduce the chance of re-infestation.
- Apply RID® Lice Killing Shampoo to DRY HAIR only, until area is thoroughly wet, being careful not to allow the product to come in direct contact or penetrate mucus membranes. Use caution to apply it to the skin and hair, but avoid the anus or vaginal openings since this may cause irritation or burning.
- After completing application, allow product to remain for 10 minutes but no longer.
- Add sufficient warm water to form lather. Rinse thoroughly.
- A fine-toothed comb or a special lice/nit-removing comb like the patented RID® comb (included) can be used to help remove head lice, eggs, and nits from hair. You may need to use a mirror to ensure that all hair has been combed.
- Clean infested area thoroughly. Be sure to wash underwear, clothes, bedding and towels in hot water and dry in high heat for 20 minutes to prevent the spread of crabs.
A second treatment must be done in 10 days to kill any newly hatched crabs.
Body Lice
What to Look for / Symptoms
- Use RID® Home Lice Control Spray to kill lice and their eggs on mattresses, furniture, car interiors and other non-washable items. A regular disinfectant spray will not kill lice and their eggs.
- Body lice and their eggs are generally found in the seams of clothing, particularly in the waistline and armpit area. They move to the skin to feed, then return to the seams of the clothing where they lay their eggs.
Treatment
- Wash all clothes, towels, washable hats, scarves, coats and bed linens in hot water. Dry in high heat for at least 20 minutes.
- Dry clean non-washables.
