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Can Pubic Lice Be Transmitted By Towels?

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Posted on Tue, 10 Jun 2014
Question: Hi, i have just been advised by a friend i was seeing he has pubic lice. My question is, can pubic lice be transmitted by towels. As, this friend is adamant, that he has not slept with anyone else and The only place he could have come into contact, is when he had a massage.
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Answered by Dr. R.G. Joshi (55 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
main mode is sexual,cloth transmission possible.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing here.

Main mode of transmission for pubic lice is sexual transmission.But It can be acquired by other routes like bed sheets and towels.

Pubic lice are also found commonly where there is crowding and unhygienic conditions.Massage parlors if hygiene not maintained properly is a good source for lice.

In any case you need not worry much about it.A simple application of permithrin and oral ivermectin can cure pubic lice.Proper washing of clothes ,bed sheets is also important to avoid future contamination.

I hope this will help you.In case there is any concern I will be happy to help you.Take care.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. R.G. Joshi

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 733 Questions

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Can Pubic Lice Be Transmitted By Towels?

Brief Answer: main mode is sexual,cloth transmission possible. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for writing here. Main mode of transmission for pubic lice is sexual transmission.But It can be acquired by other routes like bed sheets and towels. Pubic lice are also found commonly where there is crowding and unhygienic conditions.Massage parlors if hygiene not maintained properly is a good source for lice. In any case you need not worry much about it.A simple application of permithrin and oral ivermectin can cure pubic lice.Proper washing of clothes ,bed sheets is also important to avoid future contamination. I hope this will help you.In case there is any concern I will be happy to help you.Take care.