Pubic lice are tiny insects that are also called crabs.
Common symptoms
Intense itching in the genital area or anus (this usually begins 5 days after infestation)
Mild fever
Feeling run down
Irritability
Lice or small egg sacks (nits) in pubic hair
How lice are spread
contact with infected bedding, clothing, or upholstered furniture
through intimate or sexual contact
Diagnosis
Seen with the naked eye or with a magnifying glass, pubic lice look like tiny crabs.
They are pale gray but darken when swollen with blood.
They attach themselves and their eggs to pubic hair, underarm hair, eyelashes and eyebrows.
Their eggs are white and are deposited in small clumps near the hair roots.
Treatment
Follow the directions on the package insert of an over-the-counter medication
Some of the brands available are A-200k RID and InnoGel Plus
Repeated head to toe applications may be necessary
Everyone who may have been exposed to pubic lice should be treated at the same time All bedding, towels and clothing that may have been exposed should be thoroughly washed or dry cleaned, and the home should be vacuumed
Prevention and protection
Limit the number of intimate and sexual contacts
Hudson Health Center Athens, Ohio 45701 T: (740) 593-1660
