What Are Genital Lice?
Genital lice, also known as pubic lice or "crabs," are common sexually-transmitted parasites. Genital lice can be effectively eliminated by using an over-the-counter topical treatment. However, identifying genital lice before you use of these products is important--as is informing others who may have been exposed to pubic lice by an infested sexual partner.
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About Pubic Lice
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The creature that is infesting this very personal area of your body is known as Pthirus pubis. These particular lice reside in areas of the body with coarse hair, mainly the genital region, but sometimes the eyebrows and lashes, beard or mustache, or chest or armpit areas. While pubic lice are small, around 1.1 to 1.8 mm in length, they can be visible to the naked eye. Pubic lice get their nickname because of their distinct crablike shape.
How They Spread
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Pubic lice are most often spread by close sexual contact. All it takes is one encounter with someone who is infested with these small parasites for a new infestation to begin on a new host. Rarely will pubic lice be spread through a toilet seat or exposure to an infested person's linens or other personal items.
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Signs of Infestation
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Pubic lice feed off of human blood. Their bites usually result in intense itching in the genital area, as well as tiny blisters. Inflammation may also be noted as the result of copious scratching. The louse's eggs, or nits, can be observed clinging to the hair shaft. Nits resemble small pips but may be mistaken for dandruff (although nits cannot be brushed out of the hair). Moving pubic lice can be seen with the aid of a magnifying glass.
Treatment
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The Centers for Disease Control recommends over-the-counter topical lotions or mousses that contain 1 percent permethrin for getting rid of genital lice. Some of the brand names you may recognize are Nix or Rid, which can be purchased at any drugstore or discreetly ordered online through such outlets as Drugstore.com. The treatment involves applying Nix or Rid to the pubic area and leaving it on for a designated time before it is rinsed out, per the product's instructions. A fine-toothed comb (which is included with these products) is subsequently used to remove any nits still clinging to the hair shaft. Some may require a second application of an over-the-counter treatment after seven to 10 days to kill any remaining lice.
Other Preventative Measures
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The CDC recommends that personal items such as linens, clothing and towels used two to three days before treatment be machine washed in hot water and dried on high heat. Anything that cannot be washed with water (such as pillows) may be placed in a sealed plastic storage container for two weeks. Because pubic lice are spread through sexual contact, it's important for anyone with an infestation to notify all sexual partners so they can be treated as well. Additionally, sexual contact should be avoided until a person has completed treatment and the pubic lice have been eradicated entirely.
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