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Pubic lice (crabs) Treatments, Symptoms
and Prevention
What are pubic lice?
Pubic lice (crabs) are tiny insects that live on or around body hair, usually
in the pubic area. They are about the size of a pinhead. Crabs can be seen with
the naked eye and range in color from light grey to reddish brown. Although
they prefer the hair of the pubic area, they may occasionally be found on the
hair of the thighs, chest and underarms. The adult crabs lay eggs, called nits,
on the shaft of the pubic hair. These nits appear as tan colored dots or specks
and usually can't be pulled or washed off the hair. Crabs usually live in the
pubic hair, but can sometimes be found in armpit hair, facial hair, or even
eyelashes.
What causes crabs?
Pubic lice are generally transmitted sexually, but can be transmitted by other
close personal contact. (Lice can not jump from person to person, nor can they
be transmitted to or by animals.) Nits, or lice eggs, can survive off the body
for several days. It is therefore possible to be infected (or re-infected) by
wearing unwashed, infected clothes or sleeping in a previously used bed. Pubic
lice use claws to grasp pubic hair, and feed off blood vessels of the host human.
Pubic lice occurs when adult lice lay eggs, called nits, on the hair shaft
close to the skin. The egg, which is white and shiny, requires 7 to 10 days
to hatch. A typical infestation is by less than a dozen lice.
What are the symptoms?
The most noticeable symptom of pubic lice infection is intense itching which
is not relieved by scratching. The itchiness, often worse at night, results
from the bites on the skin by the adult crabs. Both crabs and their nits can
be seen with the naked eye. Bluish spots may also appear on the skin of the
affected area. Specks of blood may also appear on the underwear as a result
of the bites. A person might have crabs for two to three weeks before noticing
them.
Diagnosis
You will not need a doctor to do tests as you will no doubt notice them yourself
which you can also treat yourself.
Treatment
Although no serious complications will result from untreated crabs, they are
annoying and can be spread to others.
The shampoo to treat crabs can be bought over the counter at any chemist, it
is the same shampoo used to treat head lice and scabies. The instructions for
their use are included in the package. These instructions should be followed
carefully.
Prevention and self-care
To prevent pubic lice from recurring you should do the following
Put on clean clothing following treatment.
Machine wash all clothing (especially undergarments), towels, bed linen and
any items that have come in contact with the skin since the onset of symptoms.
Clean bath, shower and fittings thoroughly
Purchase a spray product to use on mattresses, upholstery and carpeting. Follow
directions carefully.
Avoid sex until they have fully gone.
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