Pubic lice (crabs)

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.