Pubic louse

Pubic louse (also known as crab louse or Pthirus pubis) is a parasitic insect that is known to infest human genitals, causing a condition known as pubic lice. The lice are spread through sexual contact and are most common in adults.

Description

Pubic lice have three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. The female louse lays eggs (nits) on the hair shaft close to the skin surface. After about a week, the nits hatch into nymphs, which grow into adults within a week. Adult lice are tan to greyish-white, and they have six legs; their two front legs are very large and look like the pincher claws of a crab, hence the nickname "crab louse".

Transmission

Pubic lice are usually spread through sexual contact. Rarely, infestation can be spread through contact with an infested person's bed linens, towels, or clothes. A common misunderstanding is that infestation can be spread by sitting on a toilet seat, but this has been proven to be unlikely, as lice cannot live long away from a warm human body. Also, lice do not have feet designed to walk or hold onto smooth surfaces such as toilet seats.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of pubic lice is itching in the genital area. Other symptoms can include low-grade fever, irritability, and a feeling of fatigue. The itching is caused by an allergic reaction to the louse bites. Itching usually begins within 5 days after you become infested.

Treatment

Treatment for pubic lice consists of decontaminating the affected area, and all bedding, clothing, and towels that came in contact with the affected person within the 48 hours before treatment. Over-the-counter and prescription medications are available to treat pubic lice.

See also

• Body louse
• Head louse
• Louse

References

Pubic louse Resources
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