by Carla Martorello

Created on: July 12, 2008   Last Updated: July 16, 2008

Symptoms and treatment of genital crabs

Pubic lice, most commonly known as "crabs," are parasitic insects that live in the pubic area, but can also be found sometimes in other parts of the body where there is hair, like armpits or beards.

The symptoms of pubic lice are very simple: irritation and lots of itching in the genital area.

Crabs are not really an STD, so you won't necessarily need to see a doctor to diagnose you and treat you. All you have to do is take a really good look at your infected area and try to find the lice. However, adult lice are hard to find because of their speed, but you can tell you have crabs if you find the eggs, also called nits, which will be attached to the hair and are of a white/yellowish color. You could also find the lice's waste, which look like small brown specks.

If you are certain you are infested with crabs you should treat it immediately (after all, they feed on your blood!). Go straight to a drug store and buy an over the counter lice-killing cream or shampoo (also called pediculicide). Wash the infested area very well and simply follow the instructions on the medication that you have bought. Unfortunately, the eggs don't disappear so easily, so you will need to use a small comb or your nails to remove them. If needed, you can retreat in about seven to ten days. However, if regular over the counter lice medication doesn't seem to work, you will need to see a doctor who may give you something stronger.

To avoid getting crabs again, remember that this infestation is transmitted by sexual contact, so you want to make sure that your partner also goes under treatment. Moreover, wash in hot water all the clothes, linnen and underwear that you have worn two to three days before starting your treatment, just in case there were any lice or eggs still on them.

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