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Warning-sign checks

Pubic lice: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for signs of a severe allergic reaction after treatment, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue or throat, collapse or severe dizziness.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical help for severe eye pain, marked eye swelling or a change in vision.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange routine medical or pharmacy advice if:

    • You are unsure whether you have pubic lice
    • Treatment has not removed the live lice
    • You are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a young child
    • Lice or eggs are present on eyebrows or eyelashes
    • The skin is becoming increasingly sore, swollen or discharging pus
    • You want testing for other sexually transmitted infections
    • You may have reacted to a treatment product

The article also says

A child with pubic lice, particularly on the eyelashes or eyebrows, should be medically assessed.

Pubic lice can occasionally spread through shared household items, but healthcare professionals must also consider whether inappropriate sexual contact could have occurred.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Pubic lice. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.