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Pubic lice, or genital crabs, are an annoying parasite that can be transmitted through sexual and other close personal contact. These stubborn bugs make their home in hair follicles of the pubic area, eyebrows, eyelashes, armpits and sometimes even the scalp. How can you tell if you've contracted pubic lice, and what choices do you have to treat it?

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Pubic Lice

The first noticeable symptom of pubic lice is generally itching in the affected area. For some, small bruise-like marks appear on the thighs, upper arms or abdomen. If pubic lice have infested eyelashes, the eyelids may become irritated and crusty.

Pubic lice are visible to a well-trained eye, especially with the help of a magnifying glass. The bugs and their eggs cling to the base of hair follicles. If you cannot see them but still suspect that they are there, see a doctor for a professional diagnosis.

Treatment for Pubic Lice

Pubic lice can be treated with the same medications used for the more common head lice. These include ointments and shampoos available by prescription and over-the-counter, as well as the prescription pill ivermectin. These treatments should be used with care; the toxins that kill the lice can be harmful if used improperly. It is recommended to start with the non-prescription medications. If those prove ineffective, a doctor can prescribe stronger forms of those medications.

Specially designed combs can be used to remove lice and their eggs from the hair. This will usually not completely eradicate an infestation, and should be used in combination with other treatments.

Clothing, bedding, combs and other potentially contaminated items should be cleaned very carefully to prevent further infestation. Hot water, soap, and bleach can be used to kill the lice that might live in household items.

To avoid spreading the infestation, avoid close contact with other people. Pubic lice, or STD crabs, is easily spread through sexual contact. Because about one-third of all people diagnosed with pubic lice also have some other form of STD, it would be a good idea to have a doctor check for other diseases if you find that you have contracted pubic lice.

Source:

"Lice." WebMD. http://children.webmd.com/tc/l ice-topic-overview

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