Overview
Pubic lice, commonly known as crabs, are tiny insects that are found in the genital area. They are distinct from head lice and body lice, measuring 1.6 millimeters or less. The most common way to get pubic lice is through sexual activity, but they can also be contracted by sharing clothing, bedding, or towels with an infected person. Pubic lice feed on human blood, and their bites can cause intense itching. Treatment involves using over-the-counter creams and lotions that kill the parasites and their eggs.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of pubic lice (crabs) include intense itching in the genital region, as well as other areas with coarse body hair such as the legs, chest, armpits, beard or mustache, and eyelashes or eyebrows, more commonly in children.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing pubic lice (crabs) include engaging in sexual activity, sharing clothing, bedsheets, or towels with an infected person, and having other sexually transmitted infections.
Development
Pubic lice, also known as crabs, develop through a series of stages called nymphs and adults. The life cycle of pubic lice begins when a female lays eggs (called nits) on coarse hairs close to the skin's surface. These eggs hatch into nymphs within 6 to 10 days, and the nymphs must feed on blood to mature. After feeding for about five days, the nymphs will molt and become adults. Adult pubic lice can begin to lay eggs within a week of reaching maturity. As the adults feed on blood and lay eggs, the infestation can continue to grow, leading to more itching and discomfort. To prevent the spread of pubic lice, it's essential to treat both the adult lice and their nits by using over-the-counter creams and lotions, and by washing all bedding and clothing in hot water. It's also important to avoid sharing bedding or clothing with someone who has an infestation.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
You should seek medical advice for pubic lice treatment if over-the-counter products don't kill the lice, you're pregnant, or you have any infected skin abrasions from scratching. Additionally, consult a doctor if you experience symptoms like intense itching in your genital region, or if pubic lice are found in other areas with coarse body hair such as the legs, chest, armpits, beard or mustache, or eyelashes or eyebrows, especially in children.
Diagnosis
To diagnose pubic lice (crabs), you or your doctor can perform a visual examination of your pubic area. The presence of moving lice confirms the infestation. Lice eggs (nits) may also indicate an infestation, but their presence after treatment does not necessarily mean a re-infestation. You can use over-the-counter lotions or shampoos containing 1% permethrin (Nix) or pyrethrin to treat pubic lice. If these treatments do not work, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications like malathion or ivermectin (Stromectol).
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of pubic lice (crabs) include discolored skin, secondary infections due to scratching, and eye irritation (conjunctivitis) in children who have pubic lice on their eyelashes.
Prevention
Pubic lice (crabs) can be prevented by taking the following measures:
- Avoid sexual contact: The most common way to get pubic lice is through sexual activity. Practicing abstinence or having mutually monogamous relationships can prevent the spread of pubic lice.
- Don't share personal items: Avoid sharing clothing, bedding, towels, or other personal items with someone who has an infestation.
- Treat and clean: If you or your partner has pubic lice, thoroughly wash and dry all clothing, bedding, and towels used in the previous 2 days at a temperature greater than 130F. Vacuum or steam clean any upholstered furniture, such as couches or car seats that have been used.
- Use lice-repellent clothing: Some clothing items can be treated with lice-repellent products to prevent lice from crawling onto them.
- Regularly check: Check your genital area and other areas with coarse body hair regularly for any signs of lice or eggs.
- Use over-the-counter treatments: If you do get pubic lice, promptly treat them using recommended over-the-counter creams and lotions. Treat all infested individuals in your household and sexual partners to prevent re-infestation. Remember to practice good hygiene and follow these prevention measures to minimize the risk of getting pubic lice (crabs).
Home Remedies
regarding home remedies for pubic lice (crabs). It is recommended to seek medical advice and use over-the-counter treatments specifically designed for lice infestations.
Treatment
The most common way to treat pubic lice (crabs) is by using over-the-counter creams and lotions that kill the parasites and their eggs. These products typically contain ingredients such as permethrin, benzoyl peroxide, or pyrethrin. Follow the instructions on the packaging carefully and repeat the treatment as recommended to ensure all parasites and eggs are eliminated. If over-the-counter treatments don't work, or if you have any infected skin abrasions from scratching, seek medical advice, as you may need prescription-strength treatments.
Preparing for medical consultation
To prepare for an appointment for pubic lice (crabs), you should:
- Write a list of your symptoms and the duration of your infestation.
- Note any potential ways you became infested, such as through sexual contact or sharing bedding or towels.
- List the treatments you have tried so far, including over-the-counter lotions and shampoos.
- Mention any chronic health problems you have or medications and supplements you are taking. By providing this information to your doctor, you will help them understand your situation better and provide appropriate guidance and treatment for your pubic lice infestation.