Pubic lice, also known as crabs, are tiny parasitic insects that infest pubic hair and can spread through close physical contact. Although uncomfortable and embarrassing, pubic lice are fairly easy to treat. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help individuals deal with a pubic lice infestation properly.
What Are Pubic Lice?
Pubic lice are tiny wingless insects that feed on human blood. They are tan to grayish-white in color and get their nickname “crabs” from their crab-like appearance under a microscope. Adult pubic lice are 1-2 mm long, similar in size to a sesame seed.
Pubic lice attach to pubic hair close to the skin’s surface and feed on blood. They cannot jump or fly, and move by crawling. Their legs are specially adapted to cling onto hair shafts. Pubic lice only infest pubic hair and other coarse body hair, not head hair.
How Are Pubic Lice Transmitted?
Pubic lice are spread through close, intimate physical contact and are considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI). The most common routes of transmission include:
– Sexual contact – Pubic lice easily spread from one sexual partner to another through genital touching or intercourse. This is the primary mode of transmission.
– Sharing clothing, towels, or bedding – Pubic lice can crawl onto fabrics or objects that come in close contact with infected pubic hair. Wearing or using contaminated items can spread lice to others.
– Close personal contact – In rare cases, pubic lice may spread through very close, non-sexual contact. This generally involves direct contact between pubic regions.
Pubic lice cannot survive long away from the human body. They require a human host’s warmth and blood to live.
Signs and Symptoms
It can take up to 2-3 weeks after initial infestation for symptoms of pubic lice to appear. The main symptoms include:
– Itching around the pubic and genital areas. The itching is often worse at night.
– Visible nits (lice eggs) on pubic hairs that look similar to dandruff but do not brush off easily. Nits are hard to see and are yellowish or white specks attached to hair shafts.
– Tickling sensation of lice moving on the skin. Some people can feel the lice crawling, especially at night.
– Redness, inflammation, and scratch marks in the pubic area from itching. Scratching can lead to secondary skin infections.
– Blue-gray spots on underwear or bedsheets from louse excrement.
Not everyone infected with pubic lice develops symptoms right away or experiences severe itching. Some people have mild or no symptoms for weeks before realizing they are infected.
Diagnosing Pubic Lice
Pubic lice are diagnosed by careful visual examination of the pubic hair and genitals. A clinician may use a bright light and magnifying lens to check for nits, live lice, and louse excrement.
They may ask questions to identify any possible sources of infection and rule out other causes of genital itching like fungal infections or irritated skin. A sexual health clinic can provide proper STI testing and diagnosis.
At home, pubic lice can be identified by parting pubic hairs and looking closely near the base of hair shafts, especially around the inner thighs and groin. Nits will appear as tiny yellowish or white oval specs stuck to hairs that do not brush away.
Treating Pubic Lice Infestation
Pubic lice can be effectively treated using proper medications, disinfecting personal items, and avoiding sexual contact until cured. Some key treatment steps include:
– Using a pediculicide medication like permethrin cream or pyrethrin shampoo. These products kill lice and nits and are usually applied to affected areas and washed off after 10 minutes.
– Thoroughly washing clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water then drying on high heat. Non-washable items should be dry cleaned or sealed in a plastic bag for 2 weeks.
– Disinfecting combs, brushes, hair accessories, and other personal items in rubbing alcohol or 1:10 bleach solution for an hour.
– Avoiding any sexual activity until all parties have been treated and given the all clear that lice are gone. Both partners require treatment.
– Carefully checking and nitpicking out any remaining nits after treatment, using a fine-tooth comb on wet hair. It may take 9-10 days for nits to fully hatch and die off.
– A second treatment may be needed 7-10 days after the first to kill any newly hatched lice from remaining nits. Follow all treatment instructions carefully.
– Trimming or shaving pubic hair can help remove nits and lice. However, avoid waxing which can spread lice to other areas.
Prevention Tips
Pubic lice outbreaks can be prevented by:
– Practicing safe sex by using condoms and dental dams during sex.
– Avoiding shared use of clothing, beds, towels, combs with others.
– Getting regularly tested for STIs if sexually active, and informing partners about positive results.
– Doing routine checks for any signs of lice – itching, visible nits, rashes around genitals.
– Maintaining good hygiene through regular bathing, changing clothes and bedding frequently.
Prompt lice treatment and prevention measures can stop transmission and avoid repeated infestations. Although irritating, pubic lice are manageable with appropriate clinical care.
Conclusion
Pubic lice are a common sexually transmitted pest that causes genital itching and discomfort. They spread through close intimate contact and can be challenging to eradicate. Identifying pubic lice early and using pediculicide treatments, in combination with disinfecting items and avoiding sexual activity during treatment, can successfully eliminate an infestation. Taking preventive measures like safer sex practices, good hygiene, and routine checks also reduces transmission risk. Pubic lice are a nuisance, but with the right knowledge they can be controlled and dealt with effectively.