Do you sometimes find yourself scratching your pubic area, that is, your pubic hair, unbearably? You may have even seen little creatures. The reason for this may be something you never thought of - it's 'Pubic Lice' or as we call them , 'Crabs' . Hearing this name can make you feel embarrassed and scared. But there's really nothing to be afraid of or ashamed of. This is a condition that affects more people than you think, and if treated properly, it can be cured quickly. So let's talk about it in detail, shall we?
What are these pubic lice?
Simply put, these 'pubic lice' are small insects that live in the hair in your genital area, that is, in the private area. They are like head lice, but they are a little different. They are also called 'crabs' because they look like a small crab. These lice are actually parasites. This means that they suck blood from our bodies to live.
Remember, pubic lice are different from head lice. So just because you have head lice doesn't mean you'll get pubic lice, and these lice don't move to your head.
However, these lice, called 'crabs', can also live in other areas of your body where there is coarse hair. For example:
- In the armpits
- Beard, mustache, or other facial hair
- In the chest hair
- In the eyebrows and eyelashes (this is especially common in young children)
How do these lice infect us?
These lice are spread from one person to another through close physical contact . That is, when your hair comes into contact with the hair of someone who has these lice, it spreads. Most often, this happens during sexual intercourse. But, remember, sometimes, but very rarely, it is possible to spread them if you use items such as towels or bed sheets that have been used by someone who has these lice.
Fortunately, there are treatments for this. There are special creams and shampoos that kill lice and their eggs. Some of these can be purchased over-the-counter at pharmacies, while others require a doctor's prescription.
Is this a sexually transmitted disease (STD)?
Many people consider this condition called 'Pubic Lice' to be a sexually transmitted disease (STI - Sexually Transmitted Infection). The reason for this is that these lice are mostly spread through sexual contact. But in fact, this is neither a disease nor an infection. It can also be spread through non-sexual means, but it is a little less common.
So is this a disease? Or does it spread disease?
No, these lice do not transmit any diseases. That is, you will not get any other diseases because of having these lice. However, this is something that is very annoying and causes unbearable itching . When you constantly scratch, the skin can be injured. If such injuries occur, there is a possibility that bacteria can enter through them and cause a skin infection (`bacterial infection`).
How common is this?
This is a very common condition than you might think. It can develop in people of any race, ethnicity, or nationality in any country in the world. It is most commonly seen among adults. In a country like America alone, it is said that about 3 million people develop 'pubic lice' every year. So this is something that can be heard in Sri Lanka as well.
What are the symptoms of this?
Symptoms usually begin to appear about five days after lice infestation. The main symptoms are:
- Severe itching (pruritus) occurs in hairy areas, especially the genital area.
- The areas where the lice have bitten may become red and may even bleed. The skin may feel very irritated .
- You may see small black dots (lice feces) on your underwear.
- You may see small white dots (these are lice eggs - `nits`) on the hair shafts that are difficult to remove.
- Light blue spots may appear on the thighs, buttocks, and lower abdomen.
- Some people may also feel a slight fever and a feeling of weakness .
Why are these lice making you itch so much?
It's very simple. These lice live by sucking your blood. They bite (create) small wounds in your skin. Your body's allergic reaction to these bites causes you to get this itch.
What do these lice look like?
These lice are very small, so you might not even notice one. But if you look closely, you can find them among the hairs in your private area.
A full-grown lice looks like a small crab in the sea (hence the name 'crabs'). You may even see them moving around.
These lice look different at different stages of their life cycle:
- Nits: These are a little harder to see. They are usually oval in shape and are yellow, white, or pearly in color. These eggs are attached to the base of the hair shaft (where the hair emerges from the skin). It takes between 6 and 10 days for the eggs to hatch and hatch.
- Nymph: This is the young lice that hatches from the egg. It takes about two to three weeks for this lice to become an adult lice.
- Adult: A fully grown louse has six legs. The front two legs are larger than the rest, like the claws of a crab. They are brown or grayish-white in color. They are between 1.1 and 1.6 millimeters long - that's about the size of a pencil tip. Both juvenile and adult lice live by sucking your blood. If they leave a person's body, they will die within 72 hours.
Some other important questions and their answers
Do these lice spread from pets?
No. This type of lice does not spread from pets like dogs and cats.
Is this the same as head lice?
No. Head lice and body lice (which live on the head and other parts of the body, sometimes on clothing) are a different type of lice than pubic lice. Pubic lice do not usually live on the hair on the head.
Can children get head lice?
Yes . Even young children can get head lice if they sleep in the same bed or use the same towel as someone who has head lice. If that happens, they are more likely to have head lice on their eyelashes or eyebrows .
Important: If you see these lice in a child's private area, it can sometimes be a sign of sexual abuse. Therefore, it is very important to seek medical advice immediately if you see something like this.
Can this be spread from a toilet seat?
Most likely not . These lice cannot live for long outside a human body. And they cannot hold on to a smooth surface like a toilet seat with their legs.
How do I know for sure that I have lice? / How does a doctor diagnose this?
You may be able to see these lice, but they are so small that it can be difficult to identify them. The best way to be sure is to see them. These lice look like small gray crabs, about the size of the tip of a pen.
If you have symptoms but don't see lice, or if you have any doubts, it's best to see a doctor for advice . Your doctor may use a magnifying glass or microscope to look for lice. If it's confirmed that you have pubic lice, your doctor will often also check you for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
What kills these lice? What are the treatments?
Head lice are treated with a special shampoo or cream that is applied to the area where the lice are. Simply washing the head with soap and hot water will not kill the lice. Many of these shampoos and creams are available over-the-counter at pharmacies. They are safe and effective. However, you should follow the instructions on the package carefully .
To get the best results from treatment, do the following:
- Check your armpits and other hairy areas for lice.
- Wash your body and dry it well .
- Apply this shampoo or cream to all areas where lice may be present (thighs, armpits, groin, buttocks, and around the anus). Do not apply this to your eyelashes for any reason.
- Leave the shampoo or cream on for the time specified in the instructions, then rinse .
- Remove the eggs (nits) stuck to the hair shafts with your fingers, tweezers, or a fine-toothed comb .
- Wear clean underwear and clothes after treatment.
- Wash all your clothes, bedding, and towels in the washing machine and dryer on the highest heat setting . The heat kills the lice. If you have items that can't be washed, put them in a sealed plastic bag and leave them for two weeks . Or take them to a dry cleaner.
- Do not spray insecticide on clothes or anything else in the house.
- Avoid sexual intercourse until the lice are completely gone (usually about two weeks).
- If lice are still present, repeat the treatment in 9-10 days .
Very important: You should tell everyone in your household and all your sexual partners (within the last two months) to get treated for lice.
What types of shampoos and creams can be purchased at the pharmacy?
There are two main types of treatments that can be obtained without a prescription:
- Permethrin cream: This cream should be applied to the affected area and washed off after about 10 minutes.
- Shampoo containing pyrethrin and piperonyl butoxide: This should also be applied to the affected area and rinsed off after 10 minutes.
Examples of these are medications with brand names like `A-200®`, `RID®`, `Nix®`. (These may be well-known brands in the US, so ask your pharmacy about a medication that contains these ingredients.)
Are there any medications that can be taken on a doctor's prescription?
If over-the-counter medications don't get rid of the lice, you may need to get a stronger medication prescribed by a doctor . Your doctor may prescribe a topical cream, shampoo, or oral medication.
- Oral medications (e.g. ivermectin - taken in two doses) work by killing lice when they bite you and suck your blood.
- Malathion is a topical cream that needs to be left on for about 12 hours at a time.
- Lindane shampoo (Kwell®) is a very strong, but potentially dangerous, medication. It kills lice and their eggs, but it can be harmful to your brain and nervous system. That's why doctors only give it when all other treatments have failed.
How do you treat lice and eggs on your eyelashes or eyebrows?
You should never use any of the medicine you use on your private parts in your eyes . You may be able to remove the lice and eggs with a comb or your fingers. But if that doesn't work, your doctor will prescribe a special ointment that is safe for your eyes . This should be applied to your eyelids several times a day for about 10 days.
Are there other home remedies that work for this?
No. Only special lice shampoos or creams work on these lice. Shaving or bathing in hot water will not kill these lice . You can apply hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching, but it will not cure the lice.
Can I use this treatment if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should definitely talk to a doctor before using any lice medication .
Should I ask my sexual partner(s) to get treatment too?
Yes, absolutely . If you have head lice, tell any sexual partners you've had in the past two months. They may also have head lice, so they should be treated too.
Will shaving remove these lice?
No. Removing pubic hair with a razor is not a treatment for these lice.
Can rubbing alcohol kill these lice?
Don't try to do that. It may kill the adult lice, but it won't affect the eggs (nits). Only use the medication your doctor recommends.
Are these lice dangerous?
No , pubic lice do not cause serious health problems. The main problems are usually itching and discomfort . The only risk is that scratching too much can break the skin and lead to bacterial infections.
How long does it take to completely get rid of these lice?
Most treatments last about two weeks . If the lice are not completely gone, you will need to repeat the treatment.
Can I get these lice again?
Yes, it can grow back . That's why it's very important to take steps to protect yourself from these lice.
How can I protect myself from these lice? (Prevention)
The only way to protect yourself from head lice is to avoid close physical contact with people who have head lice . However, you can reduce your risk of getting head lice and prevent them from coming back by doing the following:
Things to do:
- Do not share personal items like clothes and towels with other people.
- Limit the number of sexual partners you have. Also, try to avoid having sex with people who have multiple partners at the same time.
- If you have lice, make sure your partner(s) get treatment too .
- Wash clothes, bedding, and towels in hot water .
- Stop having sex until you have completed treatment and are sure that the lice are completely gone.
Things not to do:
- Do not have sex or close physical contact with someone who has lice.
- Do not share clothes, bedding, or towels with someone who has lice.
- Don't use insecticide sprays . They don't control lice, and they're also bad for you.
- Do not try on bathing suits in stores without underwear .
Important note: People with other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are at higher risk of developing pubic lice. It is always a good idea to practice safe sex by using condoms, but condoms do not protect against pubic lice .
Can I use shampoo thinking that these lice will come? (As a preventive measure)
Imagine that you recently found out that your sexual partner has pubic lice. In such a case, it would be a good idea to use a lice shampoo or cream as a precaution .
Can frequent bathing prevent the development of lice?
No. Pubic lice have nothing to do with your hygiene. They are spread through close physical contact with someone who has lice.
When will I be able to have sex again?
Avoid having sex until you and your partner(s) have both completed treatment . Also make sure the lice have not returned. This can take up to two weeks.
When should you see a doctor?
If you think you have pubic lice, see a doctor . Over-the-counter treatments can often get rid of the lice. But if that doesn't work, your doctor may need to prescribe a stronger medication.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
If you have pubic lice, ask your doctor these questions:
- What kind of 'pubic lice' treatment do you recommend?
- How many times do I need to have this treatment?
- When can I have sex again?
- Should I tell my sexual partner(s) that I have pubic lice?
- What can I do to prevent these lice from coming back?
- Can these 'crabs' cause long-term complications?
Finally, I have to say...
If you have pubic lice or genital crabs, don't worry . These lice can be annoying and uncomfortable, but they can be easily treated . Pubic lice don't cause any long-term health problems.
If you are unsure whether you have pubic lice, talk to your doctor . Pubic lice treatment usually involves using special creams or shampoos that kill the lice. After treatment, be sure to comb the nits out of your hair. Wash all of your clothes, bedding, and towels to kill any lice that may be there. Also, tell your recent sexual partner(s) to get treated too. Remember, this is nothing to be ashamed of, and it can be treated quickly!
` pubic lice, crabs, lice, genital lice, itching, skin diseases, sexual health
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න