2. What is it? It is Also known as crotch crickets, love bugs and snatch monsters, pubic lice (Phthirus pubis) are tiny tan/grey parasites that thrive in pubic hair and live off human blood. Pubic lice don't jump, but crawl from one person to another through skin-to-skin contact during sex. If you're unlucky, you can also contract them if you share bedding, towels or clothing with an infested person.
3. Symptoms pubic lice Itching and irritation in the genital area. Bluish spot on the skin where lice have been feeding. Dark spots on skin or underwear. Oval, whitish eggs on the hair.
4. How are the pubic lice treated? A dose of pubic lice can be treated easily and quickly. Just go to your nearest genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic or make an appointment to see your doctor, and they will easily spot any infestation-even during the first stage. If it is diagnosed early enough, the eggs can be removed with a nit comb, but once the lice have hatched, you will need to buy a lice shampoo over the counter (pediculicide), or by prescription (Lindane). Treatment may need to be repeated over 7 to 10 days.
5. How do you get it? Pubic lice and scabies are transmitted by sexual and non-sexual contact. An example for non-sexual contact is by sharing towels with an infected person. Pubic lice and scabies can live on object such as towels, bedding and mattresses.
6. Where are pubic lice found? Pubic lice usually are found In the genital are on pubic Hair; but sometimes they may be found on other coarse Body hair, such as hair on the Legs, armpits, mustache, beard and eyebrows.
7. How do you get tested? You can usually tell if you have pubic lice by finding the adult or eggs on the hair if you have pubic lice or scabies see a doctor or nurse
8. How to prevent pubic lice and scabies Dry clean or machine wash all of your clothing in hot water Wash all bed linen in hot water It is important to wash all bedding, towels, and clothing at a very high temperature to kill the lice and their eggs. Store all of your blankets for one week in closed plastic bags if you cannot wash them. Vacuum everything that has been in contact that you cannot wash(mattress, carpets, etc) Any sexual partners from the last month should also get themselves checked to prevent from pubic lice.
9. Case study Itching and rash in a boy and his grandmother A boy came to the office with a rash and severe itching for 2 months. His grandmother with whom he spends most weekends and a lot of time after school, also has had a rash and itch for 3 weeks. The boy and his grandmother both have pubic lice and scabies. A 30-year-old man feel itching. He reports that his girlfriend has the same itching. Examination of the skin reveals interdigital lesions, with small papules, vesicles, and excoriations on the hands, and indurated nodules on the genitalia, all suggestive of classic scabies.
