Pubic lice (also known as crab louse) is a parasite that infects the hairy parts of the body. The lice feeds on human blood and cause intense itchiness, also pubic lice eggs can be seen by visual inspection. Secondary bacterial infection may result from scratching. Infection is transmitted through direct contact during sexual intercourse, or less commonly through close contact, like the sharing of common bathing costumes, blankets and lavatories.

Incubation period

The presence of lice may not become apparent until 5 days to 3 weeks after the first contact. The female insect lives for about a month, and lays 7-10 eggs (nits) a day, which in turn hatch in about 8-10 days.

How do I find out if I am infected with Pubic Lice?

Several symptoms include:
⬦ Intense itching in the affected areas especially during nighttime
⬦ Skin rashes, pimples, bloody scab or sky-blue spots developed on pubic area
⬦ Rusty coloured powder or Black powdery droppings from the lice in your underwear
⬦ Brown oval ovum discovered on pubic hair or other body hair
 

Treatment

⬦ Pubic lice cannot be completely eradicated by shaving the pubic and anal area.
⬦ Do NOT attempt to self-medication through local drug store, wrongful usage of Antiseptic Lotion or ointment will further exacerbate the condition. Pubic lice are best treated with a prescription wash compound containing permethrin, such as Elimite or Kwell.
⬦ Disinfect clothing, bed sheets with boiling water to eradicate ovum and adult lice.
⬦ Avoid sharing towel.
⬦ Please encourage your sex partner to seek medical advice as well.
Besides, pubic lice also carry the possibility of containing other disease and capable of further infecting the patient. Pubic lice cannot be caught from lavatory seats as they do not have feet designed to hold onto or walk on smooth surfaces such as toilet seats
.