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Genital crabs is a sexually transmitted disease, (STD); in which pubic lice infest the genital area. Genital crabs is very common and found worldwide with almost all cases occurring as a result of close physical contact with sexual activity.

Although pubic lice are usually spread through sexual contact, it is sometimes spread through contact with an infected person's bed linens, towels or clothing. Occasionally, this STD can be found in other coarse body hair such as leg hair, armpit hair, and mustache and beard hair.

What should a person look for when he or she suspects genital crabs?

When a person suspects they may have genital crabs they will be experiencing a lot of irritation and itching in the genital region. A person may see nits (lice eggs), or actual lice crawling around. There may also be a lot of redness, which can lead to a secondary infection and eczema.

How are pubic lice treated?

People infested with pubic lice can find help online just by typing in STD crabs or pubic lice, or by talking to a healthcare provider. The infested person should obtain medical treatment so that if another person has contracted the pubic lice he or she can be contacted and treated also. Medication is available at drug stores also.

A physician will examine a patient and prescribe medication such as a cream or a shampoo to treat the pubic lice.

To properly treat the pubic lice, a person must do the following:

Bathe thoroughly and towel dry

Apply medicated liquid to cool dry skin between the areas from the chest to the knees.
Leave it on for about twenty minutes, or the time recommended by the physician.

Bathe and dry off

Comb pubic hair with a fine tooth- comb to remove any eggs and adult lice.

A person can repeat the treatment in 7 to 10 days if the first treatment didn't work.
Avoid sexually activity until the pubic lice are gone.

A physician may recommend that the infested person wash all bedding and clothing used within the last 24 hours. A doctor will also recommend that the person contact their sexual partners so that they can get treatment also.

Women who are pregnant or nursing can be treated for STD crabs, but are recommended to stay away from the medication Lindane. To prevent genital crabs a person can have just one sexual partner.

Learn more about this author, Kate Johns.
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