WHAT IS PUBIC LICE?
(also known as crabs)
- The adult pubic lice (Phthirus Pubis) measures between 1 to 2 mm diameter and appear on the pubic skin as greyish or reddish brown spots. The eggs (nits) are attached to the shaft of pubic hairs. The pubic lice are usually found on the pubic and perineal skin, and can spread to other hairy parts of the body eg. eye lashes. Pubic lice are usually transmitted during sexual activity or intimate skin-to-skin contact.
- Symptoms of the pubic lice infestation are intense irritation or itch on the pubic areas which may be followed by secondary infection due to scratching. Little specks of blood stains on the underwear are also a sign of pubic lice infestation.
- Treatment is effective with topical applications of lice lotion. The sexual partners must also be treated.
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