Pubic lice (or "crabs") are transmitted through direct physical contact, and often sexually. These are parasitic insects, called "Pthirus pubis", which attack mainly the pubic hair, although sometimes they can also affect other areas of the body, such as the hair of the legs, beard and armpits. In addition to being sexually transmitted, these pesky parasites are transmitted through sharing towels or sheets used by affected people. Fortunately though, these annoying unwanted guests are easily recognizable and treatable.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Symptoms
Step 1. Watch out for itching, especially at night
This is the most common symptom, which usually occurs 5 days after exposure to the parasite and focuses on the genital and anal area. Itching tends to get worse at night, as the lice become more active and feed more often.
Try not to scratch yourself, because if the parasites penetrate under the nails or on the hands, the infection is more likely to spread. Even if you are not sure if it is actually pubic lice, to be on the safe side avoid scratching
Step 2. Check for dark blue spots on the affected area
When parasites start biting the surface of the skin, your blood is sucked up and as a result different spots will appear, based on the number of lice present.
The spots will be more visible if the lice have been present for a long time. If left untreated, the affected area will be completely covered with dark spots at the bites
Step 3. Check for white dots
Lice attach themselves to the fur with their claws so as not to fall off. If you look closely, you will notice eggs attached to the hair and parasites moving around.
Also check other areas of the body, such as eyebrows and eyelashes
Step 4. Check if the nits are attached to the hair
Nits are the eggs of lice. They resemble small white oval-shaped eggs. They are usually found on the root or base of the hair.
It is important to remove the nits as much as the lice. After eliminating the adult lice, be careful to remove their eggs as well to prevent the onset of future infections
Part 2 of 3: Recognizing the Characteristics of Pubic Lice
Step 1. Get a magnifying glass
Pubic lice closely resemble god crabs - they have claws characteristic of marine crabs. However, given their small size, they are not easy to see. With the help of a magnifying glass you should be able to see small claws.
- The standard size of a pubic louse is 1-2 mm in diameter. They are very small insects that are difficult to see with the naked eye.
- Your dermatologist may use a magnifying glass for diagnosis.
Step 2. Look for gray-white or dark brown pubic lice
Lice that have not yet sucked blood are gray-white - after feeding, they turn dark brown or rusty due to the presence of blood in their body.
Pubic lice feed every 45 minutes. If you observe carefully, you will notice a change in color during this time interval
Step 3. Know that head lice can survive for up to two days if not attached to your body
in general, these parasites can survive up to 30 days; however, without sources of nourishment, they can only survive for two. This means that even if you were able to successfully eliminate them from your body, it doesn't mean that your home isn't haunted.
Head lice love hot spots. If the temperature drops (i.e. when they are removed from the body), they will look for warm areas, such as bed sheets or sofas
Part 3 of 3: Understanding Your Condition
Step 1. Treat the area with specific shampoo or lotions
The moment you discover that you have pubic lice, go to the pharmacy immediately and buy a product to eliminate them. If you follow the instructions on the package correctly, the lice will disappear in the blink of an eye, although it may be necessary to repeat the application of the product several times.
After treating your body, take care of your home. Wash sheets, towels, pillows, etc. to kill surviving lice on tissues and to prevent future infestations. If you live with other people, ask them to wash the items just listed as well, because pubic lice can be infected even without physical contact
Step 2. Know that you need to get rid of pubic lice and their eggs
There are two forms of head lice that can be present in your body:
- Live head lice (which you see walking around the infected area).
- Lice eggs (also known as "nits").
- Both forms indicate the presence of an infestation that must absolutely be treated; in fact, even a single egg can multiply into hundreds of lice.
Step 3. Understand the complications if you don't address the problem
In general, pubic lice are not dangerous for humans; however, in people with compromised immune systems, or with other chronic diseases, other complications can occur. It is also for this reason (as well as for aesthetic reasons) that treatment must be started as soon as possible.
If the infestation is not treated for long periods of time, the skin of the affected areas may have patches caused by the constant bites of parasites
Step 4. Watch out for infections
If there are wounds in the genital area, the skin could become infected, causing infections throughout the body through the bloodstream. This type of condition is called "secondary infection".
Pubic lice in the eyelashes or eyebrows increase the risk of eye irritation, causing conjunctivitis and other secondary infections in some cases
Step 5. Treat other areas, such as the eyebrows, with a medicine prescribed by your doctor
Given the sensitivity of these areas, your doctor or ophthalmologist will prescribe ophthalmological petrolatum to be applied on the edges of the eyelashes 2-5 times a day for 7-10 days. Lice will be killed.
