Pubic lice

What are pubic lice?

Pubic lice (crab lice) are properly known as Phthirus pubis. Pubic lice are commonly known as 'crabs' due to their short, wide body (approximately 1mm) and large front claws.

How do you get pubic lice?

Pubic lice are contracted by close contact and are easily transmitted sexually. Pubic lice have become very rare in developed countries since pubic shaving hair It has become popular.

Where do pubic lice live and how do they grow?

Lice are most often found within pubic hair, but pubic lice can spread to other hairy parts of the body, including the armpits, beard, chest hair, and thigh hair. Eyelashes can also be infested. Pubic lice's large claws allow them to grasp the thicker pubic hairs in the groin, perianaland axillary areas. Like other human lice, they use their mouthparts to suck blood for nutrition while injecting itchy saliva at the same time. Pubic lice cannot survive more than a day without feeding on their humans. host.

Occasionally blood stains are seen on underwear and live lice can be seen moving in the pubic hair. Small spots of bleeding or bite marks may be seen within the pubic hair.

What is the treatment for pubic lice?

Insecticides kill pubic lice. Insecticides generally contain maldison/malathion, permethrin, or pyrethrin. Current Ivermectin has been used effectively off-label.

Typically an insecticide cream it is applied directly to the skin and hair and lathers up like a shampoo. A small portion can be absorbed by the body and for this reason it is important to follow the manufacturer's advice on the length of treatment. If you have pubic lice, keep in mind the following:

• It is important to apply the shampoo to all hairy parts of the body apart from the eyelids and scalp, from the neck to the knees.
• Insecticide cream is more easily applied in the shower.
• Work thoroughly into a lather and leave on for five minutes.
• Rinse well and towel dry.
• Any remaining nits (small white spots attached to the hair shaft) should be removed with a fine-toothed comb.
• It is recommended to repeat the insecticide application 7 days later.
• Insecticidal shampoo should not be applied near the eyes. Lice and nits can be removed using a pair of fine tweezers. Alternatively, Vaseline can be smeared on the lashes twice a day for at least 3 weeks. This suffocates the lice and their nits.
• After treating yourself with insecticide, thoroughly wash underwear and bedding in hot water to prevent recurrence.
• Sexual partners should be treated even if they deny itching and do not appear to be infested.
• You may be at risk of other more serious sexually transmitted infections. It is advisable to go to your doctor or sexual health clinic for a check-up.