Pubic lice, commonly known as “crabs,” are tiny parasitic insects that primarily infest the genital area of humans. These creatures can also inhabit other areas of the body with coarse hair, such as legs, armpits, mustaches, beards, eyebrows, and even eyelashes. It’s important to note that in children or teenagers, the presence of pubic lice on eyebrows or eyelashes might indicate potential sexual abuse or exposure.
As parasites, pubic lice rely on human blood for survival. They belong to one of the three types of lice that can live on humans, with the other two being head lice and body lice. Each type of lice is distinct and contracting one type does not increase the likelihood of getting another. Understanding the differences is key to proper identification and treatment.
How Do Crabs Spread?
Crabs, or pubic lice, are wingless insects that move by crawling; they are incapable of jumping or flying. The most common mode of transmission is through sexual contact, making them a sexually transmitted infestation (STI). However, crabs can occasionally spread through close physical contact with an infested person, or by sharing contaminated items like clothing, beds, bedding, or towels. It’s crucial to understand that pubic lice are human parasites and cannot be contracted from animals.
Who is at Risk of Getting Crabs?
Pubic lice infestations are most prevalent among sexually active adults due to their primary mode of transmission. Anyone who engages in sexual contact is potentially at risk of contracting crabs. While less common, transmission outside of sexual activity can occur, albeit less frequently.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Crabs
The hallmark symptom of a pubic lice infestation is intense itching in the genital region. This itching is an allergic reaction to louse saliva. In addition to itching, individuals may be able to visually identify nits (lice eggs) or the crawling lice themselves, although they are small and can be difficult to spot without close inspection.
Diagnosing Pubic Lice
Typically, a diagnosis of pubic lice is made by visually identifying a louse or nit. However, due to their small size and often sparse numbers, they can be challenging to find. Pubic lice tend to attach firmly to hair shafts and do not move as quickly as head or body lice. In some cases, a magnifying lens may be necessary to confirm the presence of lice or nits.
It is strongly recommended that individuals diagnosed with pubic lice undergo screening for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well. Furthermore, sexual partners of individuals with pubic lice should also be examined and treated to prevent re-infestation and further spread.
Effective Treatments for Pubic Lice
The primary treatment for pubic lice involves using lice-killing medications, typically in the form of lotions or mousses. Over-the-counter options containing permethrin or pyrethrins combined with piperonyl butoxide are usually effective and safe when used according to product instructions. In most cases, a single treatment is sufficient to eradicate the lice. If the infestation persists, a second treatment may be necessary after 9-10 days.
For more resistant cases, or for specific patient populations, healthcare providers can prescribe other lice-killing medications.
In addition to medication, thorough hygiene practices are essential. Washing clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water and drying them on a hot dryer cycle helps to eliminate any lice or nits that may be present on these items, preventing re-infestation.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
