Pubic Lice
Pubic lice, often referred to as "crabs" are small insects which attach themselves to human hairs. Adult lice lay eggs, or "nits" on hair shafts near the skin. These eggs, which are white or yellow and oval shaped, hatch in approximately seven to ten days. The lice then feed on human blood. Infections, which are prevalent worldwide, are most common in pubic hair, but can also be found in armpit hair, facial hair, and even eyelashes.
Common symptoms of pubic lice include itching that gets worse at night, and occasionally bleeding if one itches too much. Also, a rash or faint bluish spots may be visible at the site of bites. If the lice infect the eyebrows or eyelashes, inflammation of these areas may occur. Symptoms can become noticeable immediately after transmission, or may be delayed 2-4 weeks if eggs have not yet hatched.
Many people have pubic lice, but have no symptoms. This is due to the difficulty of seeing the lice, especially when located in the pubic region, as the white lice blend in with white skin and brown lice can be mistaken for moles or be hard to identify on darker skin tones.
Pubic lice are transmitted several ways. Most often, infection occurs through direct physical contact with an infected person. Transmission can also occur through contact with an infected person's bed linens, towels or clothes, as the lice can survive for up to two days without a human host. They cannot jump from person to person or be transmitted through animals.
Pubic lice and nits are not killed with ordinary soap and water, so a special medication is necessary. Doctors commonly prescribe Permethrin 1% cr