2. What Is Pubic Lice?
Pubic lice has been in existence as long as
mankind. In order to live and reproduce, crab lice require
human hosts. Pubic lice belong to the Arthropod phylum
and phthirus pubis species of insects.
With their crab-like bodies, crab lice are
perfectly designed to live on human hairs.
Pubic lice have shorter and wider bodies
than head or body lice. They have large
front claws which allow them to attach
onto hair strands.
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3. Life Cycle of a Crab Louse
Pubic lice have short life spans. They only live about a
month while on a host. Without a human to live on and
blood to feast on, lice live even shorter lives: 1 to 2 days at
most.
Female pubic lice can lay about 30 lice eggs (or nits) at
time. These eggs attach to hair strands to begin their
germination process.
Lice eggs then enter into an immature nymph stage.
During the nymph stage, the young lice molt 3 times. From
the egg stage to full adulthood takes about 3 weeks.
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4. How Do You Get Pubic Lice?
Sexual contact is the most common way of transmitting
pubic crabs std. But, it's not the only way to get pubic lice.
In fact, any close skin contact can spread the pesky insects.
Inanimate objects like bed linen, clothing, and towels are
also sources of lice.
Despite many anecdotal reports, toilet seats are not a likely
way of transmitting crabs as it is difficult for them to survive
very long without a human host.
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5. Pubic Lice Symptoms
Pubic and perianal itching is the hallmark symptom of
pubic lice. But, the pubic region
is not the only area of the body
where pubic lice can attach
themselves. Any part of the body
where coarse hair is present is at
risk. An itchy bluish hued rash
can also accompany pubic lice.
The eyelashes, beard, and armpits
are prime targets for crab lice.
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6. Diagnosing Pubic Crabs
Visualization is the key method used to detect pubic lice.
Under a magnifying glass or microscope it can be
quite easy to see adult lice and eggs
attached to individual hair strands.
One can also see brownish flecks of
lice feces on the skin.
Of course, the hallmark symptoms of
itching and skin rashes are used to
make a diagnosis of crabs std as well.
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7. Treating Pubic Lice
Many options are available when it comes to eliminating
pubic crabs. Permethrin and pyrethrin are the standard
topical treatments used to kill lice. Derived from
chrysanthemum plants pyrethrin is very effective against
crab lice.
No matter what chemical is used to kill lice, the eggs still
must be manually removed with a fine-toothed comb
especially for areas such as the eyelashes. Clothing and
linen must be washed at a temperature of at least 125
degrees fahrenheit to kill lice and their eggs. Dry cleaning
also destroys pubic lice.
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8. Resources
Think you have pubic crabs? You should get tested
for other STDs as well.
If you live in the US, check out STD Test Express.
They offer fast, confidential, local STD testing.
For more information, call (877) 787 – 4875
Mon - Sun 7a – 10pm CST.
(877) 787- 4875
Call for Confidential STD Testing