What it is
They are treated with an insecticide cream, lotion or shampoo, usually repeated after a week.
Sexual partners should also be treated, and a check for other sexually transmitted infections is recommended.
Common signs
- Itching in the affected area, often worse at night
- Tiny eggs (nits) on hair
- Small lice moving in hair
- Small blue spots or specks of blood on skin
- Black powder in underwear
How it is usually diagnosed
- Looking for lice and eggs, sometimes with a magnifying glass
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Sexual health clinic notes
- STI test results
- Prescriptions
Questions to ask your doctor
- Which treatment should I use?
- Do my partners need treatment?
- Should I be tested for other infections?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Lice in the eyelashes with sore, red or swollen eyes: see a doctor the same day
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.