Pediculosis - pubic lice; Lice - pubic; Crabs

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Definition Pubic lice are small, six-legged creatures that invade the genital

hair region and infest it with their eggs. These lice can also infest armpit

hair and eyebrows, but they are drawn to the pubic region.

 

Causes Pubic lice are known scientifically as Phthirus pubis. Lice

infestation is a common sexually-transmitted condition and is found mostly in

adolescents. Transmission generally occurs during sexual activity, but it can

occur through physical contact with contaminated objects such as toilet seats,

sheets, and blankets. Some women have acquired it while trying on swimming suits

at a store.

 

The presence of pubic lice is heralded by moderate to severe itching in the area

covered by pubic hair. This itch is frequently worse at night. Because the crab

louse requires human blood to survive, it buries its head inside a pubic hair

follicle. It excretes a substance into the skin that causes the itching.

Sometimes the bite can cause an inflammatory skin reaction that is bluish gray

in color. Although the lice do not cause a rash, the constant scratching and

digging can cause the skin to become raw, and secondary infections may develop.

 

On close inspection, adult lice (1.2 mm in diameter) may be seen. A magnifying

glass makes the lice more easily visible, and will show the small egg sacs or

" nits " that are attached to the pubic hairs, usually at the base.

Although pubic lice appear to prefer the pubic area, they can also thrive on

the eyelashes. In young children, pubic lice may be a cause of blepharitis (an

eye infection) and their eyelashes should be examined with a high-powered

magnifying glass for evidence of lice.

In addition to pubic lice, there is body lice (Pediculus humanis corporis) and

head lice (Pediculus humanis capitis).

 

Risk factors include:

 

Being a sexually-active adolescent

Having multiple sexual partners

Having sexual contact with an infected person

Sharing bedding or clothing with an infected person

http://www.lifespan.org/adam/english/hie/000841.htm

 

Symptoms

Itching in pubic hair region

Eggs (nits) or actual adult lice may be seen

Genital lesions due to bites

Other genital lesions consisting of scratched areas and possibly secondary

infections

Exams and Tests An examination of the external genital region typically

reveals small gray-white oval eggs (nits) attached to the hair shaft and may

reveal adult lice. Scratch marks or signs of secondary infection such as

impetigo may also be noted.

Adult lice may be easily identified under the microscope. Their crab-like

appearance is the reason that pubic lice are referred to as " the crabs. "

http://www.lifespan.org/adam/english/hie/000841sym.htm

 

Prevention Avoid sexual or intimate contact with infected people. If

sexually active, use safe sex behaviors to avoid getting lice.

Good personal hygiene is always recommended. If possible, avoid trying on

bathing suits while shopping. However, if you must, be sure to wear your

underwear while trying them on. This may prevent transmission.

http://www.lifespan.org/adam/english/hie/000841prv.htm

 

Treatment Pubic lice are best treated with a prescription wash such as

Elimite or Kwell:

 

Thoroughly work the shampoo into the pubic hair and surrounding area for at

least 5 minutes.

Rinse well.

Comb the pubic hair with a fine-tooth comb to remove eggs (nits). Applying

vinegar to pubic hair before combing may help loosen nits, but the hair should

be dry when applying the shampoo.

A single treatment is all that is usually needed. If another treatment is

recommended, it should be done 4 days to 1 week later.

 

Over-the-counter medications for the treatment of lice include Rid and Nix.

At the time of treatment, wash all clothing and linens in hot water. Items

that cannot be washed may be sprayed with a medicated spray or sealed

(suffocated) in plastic bags and not used for 10 - 14 days. It is imperative for

all intimate contacts to receive treatment at the same time.

 

People with pubic lice should be evaluated for other sexually-transmitted

disease at the time of diagnosis.

Outlook (Prognosis) Adequate treatment, including environmental cleaning,

should eradicate the lice.

Possible Complications Secondary infections may occur because of skin

break-down from frequent scratching.

When to Contact a Medical Professional Call for an appointment with your

health care provider if you or your sexual partner have symptoms of pubic lice.

If you know that itching is caused by pubic lice, you can try over-the-counter

lice treatments. Call the health care provider if these are ineffective. Also

call if symptoms persist after treatment.

http://www.lifespan.org/adam/english/hie/000841trt.htm

 

 

" Respect means listening until everyone has been heard and understood, only

then is there a possibility of " Balance and Harmony " the goal of Indian

Spirituality. " Dave Chief, Grandfather of Red Dog

 

 

 

 

 

 

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