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What are pubic lice?
Pubic lice are small, round body lice that inhabit pubic hair. Pubic
lice are often referred to as "crabs" because of their crab-like
appearance. Pubic lice can live in other hairy areas of your body such
as eyebrows, chest and armpit hair, and even eyelashes. Pubic lice,
like most louse, feed on your blood and because of this, may carry other
diseases such as typhus. (Don't let that scare you too much, it's a
similar idea to ticks carrying lyme disease.)
How do I know if I have pubic lice?
Symptoms include intense itching of the entire genital area (this includes
your anus), and visible lice in your pubic hair. Symptoms will usually
appear shortly after transmission, but often people do not realize until
a few weeks later, especially if the case is not severe.
How do I get pubic lice?
Pubic lice are just like head lice in that it is quite easy to catch
(but equally easy to treat!). You can pick up pubic lice from oral,
vaginal and anal sex and close physical contact with someone who has
pubic lice, or pubic lice eggs. It is just as easy to get pubic lice
from clothing, linen and furniture that may harbor pubic lice. You don't
get crabs from being dirty, or not showering, pubic lice are non-discriminatory.
What should I do?
Don't panic! Though you may be scared, pubic lice happen and are very
easy to treat. It is a good idea to go to your doctor, or at least give
your doctor a call. Head lice treatments may not be appropriate for
genital lice, so be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist. Commonly
prescribed treatments that do not require a prescription are
R.I.D., Vonce and A-200. These are almost as effective as the prescription
lotion available, Kwell. (Note: Never use these treatments around
your eyes! Use opthmalmic petroleum jelly) After you've been treated
you're skin may still be rather irritated and itching may continue for
a little while. Don't worry, this frequently happens, but try to resist
itching and the symptoms will subside.
What happens if I just ignore them? Will they go away?
No - if you have pubic lice you need to be treated for them. If
you don't you may spread it to family members and sexual partners, the
infestation may get way out of hand and be harder to treat (you have
to treat clothes, furniture and linens when you get crabs). That's not
to mention how uncomfortable you'll be!
What happens after I get treatment?
Make sure any sexual partners, family members and roommates know about
it, and let them know what the symptoms are. Again, pubic lice are just
as easy to get as head lice, so it's really common courtesy. Be sure
to clean all your bedding, towels and clothes. Have these items dry-cleaned
or wash them in boiling water and then you can use them again.
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