I am suffering from body lice in the groin area and waist.What should I do?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com. I have gone through your query and the pictures (attachment removed to protect patient identity).Your suspicion is correct and this condition is known as pediculosis. The lice are an infectious condition and need to be eliminated. Fortunately, it is not difficult. You simply follow the suggested measures and you should be well again.

• Maintain a very good hygiene and shave off all the hair in the affected area.

• Make sure that no other body parts like axillae (armpits) or scalp are involved.

• The most effective medication in nearly all cases has been Gamma Benzene Hexachloride or GBHC in short which needs to be applied on weekly basis to the affected area and then left for 12 hours before it is washed off.

• In addition to this, I recommend the use of anti-allergic medication like Cetirizine and locally applied Crotorax cream (Crotamiton) to relieve itching. These serve as a good measure.

• Patients need to repeat the above application for at least 4-5 weeks to eliminate the young ones of this mite that hatch from the eggs.

• Finally, two more very important points: First is to ensure that your partner does not have them and to treat them if there are any indications of infection. Secondly, steam press your undergarments and other clothing. especially at their seams to remove any eggs of the mites. The garments with elastic can be stored away in airtight plastic bags for a couple of weeks to kill all the germs.

You should be in perfect health very soon.

For further follow up, consult a dermatologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/dermatologist