Which treatment is recommended for pediculosis pubis?

The recommended treatment for pediculosis pubis, commonly referred to as crab lice or pubic lice, is topical permethrin. This choice is supported by its efficacy in effectively killing both the adult lice and their eggs (nits). It is important for both the infected individual and their sexual partners to be treated simultaneously to prevent reinfestation and ensure effective management of the condition.

Topical permethrin works by disrupting the nervous system of the lice, leading to their death. Given the nature of transmission through close physical contact, especially in sexual settings, treating all affected partners helps to eliminate the infestation chain.

While other options may seem plausible for different conditions, they do not provide the necessary efficacy for treating pediculosis pubis. For instance, topical clotrimazole is an antifungal and not targeted for lice, while oral ivermectin, although effective for some parasitic infections, is not typically the first line for lice infestations. Shaving the affected area can provide some relief from symptoms or make lice less noticeable, but it does not treat the underlying infestation.

Thus, the rationale for selecting topical permethrin is based on its proven effectiveness in directly addressing the lice and preventing further spread.