Pubic Lice Can Be Easily Spread - STD Testing Centers Louisville

Pubic lice ('crabs') are tiny greyish parasites that can thrive within the genital region. They are about the size of a full stop, and lay eggs attached to the pubic hair. Pubic lice - also known as crabs - can leave irritating spots on the skin when they feed on the blood of their hosts. The parasites lack wings and cannot jump like fleas, so they remain stuck on a host until they come into close contact with another individual. Pubic lice are usually sexually transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact. Lice infestation causes no serious harm, but is a warning that you should be tested for other sexually transmissible infections (STIs) .

Pubic lice affect only humans; they don't usually live on other animals. They can affect people of any age, but are most commonly found in young adults. Pubic lice cause severe itching. Their bites may cause small marks that look like bruises on the torso, thighs, or upper arms. Pubic lice, like head lice, do not live for long off their host so treatment of the livingspace, and laundering of clothing, should not be your first objective. Instead, treat pubic lice as you would head lice with medicated lice shampoo and nit combing.

Pubic lice, or crab lice, can be embarrassing and are sometimes uncomfortable and itchy. They don't usually cause an illness. Pubic lice are very easily spread. Most of the time they are spread during sex play. Pubic lice have six legs, but their two front legs are very large and look like the pincher claws of a crab; this is how they got the nickname "crabs.".Pubic lice are tan to grayish-white in color. Females lay nits and are usually larger than males.

Pubic lice ("crabs") is caused by Pthirus pubis and is transmitted by intimate and/or sexual contact. Pubic lice can be cured with medicated shampoos and creams.

Nits Hatch And Treatment

Nits hatch after 7-10 days. Nits are about the size of a pinhead, and are the louse eggs. Nits can't be easily removed from the hair with the fingers — "nit combs" made especially to remove the eggs are sold at drugstores and many grocery stores. Nit combs are available to help remove nits from hair. Dose and duration of shampoo treatment should be followed carefully according to label instructions.

Sexual contact is the most common way they are spread though it is possible for them to transfer to another person with other types of body contact. It is occasionally possible for them to be spread by clothing or bedding, which should be washed before further use. Sexual transmission is the primary means of transmission, but non-sexual transmission also occurs. Crabs are transmitted through close physical contact, such as skin-to-skin or hair-to-hair contact. Sexual partner(s) within the last month should be treated.

Sexual contact is the common way. However, close contact with family or friends may be a cause. Sexual partners and anyone in close physical contact should also be treated to avoid reinfection. It is also advisable to repeat the treatment after seven days.