Also
known as: Pediculosis Pubis
Myths
dispelled
Here are some facts to clear up some common misconceptions.
Crabs
don't carry HIV between partners.
They don't jump like fleas.
Intro
Pediculosis Pubis is a fancy name for a nasty condition commonly
called "crabs." You get it from an infestation of pubic
lice (Phithirius pubis). The condition is characterized by intense
itching and is easily spread between sexual partners. Although
it is a real bug and not some bacteria or virus, it is
an sexually transmitted disease (STD) nonetheless. Rarely, infestation
can be spread through contact with an infected person's bed linens,
towels, or clothes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC).
What
is it?
Crabs is an infestation of lice that set up a nice home in your
pubic hair. They can also spread to the hair around your anus
and lower abdomen. Though more often confined to the genital region,
some men have even found them in thick facial and scalp hair.
The lice bite through your skin at the base of your pubic hair
and feast on your blood. I know it sounds horrible, but you can't
feel it. What you do feel is an intense itching that usually begins
within a week after that first bite; the itching begins immediately
if you've had crabs before, because you're body is already sensitized.
The itch is your body's allergic reaction to the bug bites.
Symptoms
Symptoms include intense itching, beginning within one week of
infestation (if you've had them before itching begins almost immediately).
If you examine your pubic hair you might notice dark red specks
on your skin that are pieces of louse poop left behind by the
bug; usually, you won't see the lice. It is far easier to spot
the louse eggs attached to your hair follicles. As the hair grows,
the egg moves farther from your skin. It can look like a skin
flake or a kink in your hair.
How
do you get it?
Crabs are probably the easiest STD to catch. You don't even need
to have skin contact with an infected partner! Most often, they
pass from one partner's pubic region to another's during close
physical contact. Clearly a condom won't protect you (unless you're
in a plastic bag).
In
rare instances, crabs can linger in towels, sheets and shared
clothing, waiting for some unsuspecting person to rub against
it. And yes, it is possible to catch them in a gym or sauna, even
if you were only soaking up steam. Unless clothing, towels and
linens are washed in hot water, the lice will survive, waiting
for their next meal.
A common
misbelief is that crabs can be spread by sitting on a toilet seat.
This isn't likely, according to the CDC, since lice can't live
long if they're away from a warm human body. Also, lice do not
have feet designed to walk or hold onto smooth surfaces such as
toilet seats.
How
to treat it?
You can easily treat crabs in the privacy of your own home. Kwell,
Nix and Rid are some of the more common preparations available
over the counter (without a doctor's prescription). The preparations
are available in lotion or shampoo form. While most doctors recommend
lotions, patients usually prefer shampoos. It's important that
you follow each product's directions. Complete the treatment by
using a fine "nit" comb to remove any of the remaining
dead eggs. These medications are strong, but if any eggs remain,
a second treatment is necessary one week later.
Don't
think you still have lice because the itch didn't immediately
go away; it takes several days for the itch to disappear. Don't
forget to wash all linens and clothing in boiling water and run
them through the dryer on a very high heat to kill any lice that
jumped ship and are waiting for the next safe haven. If you have
a partner, it is best to have him/her treated, even if he or she
isn't itching. Chances are he/she caught this highly contagious
STD from you and he/she will only give it right back the next
time you climb into bed together.
Prevention
Unfortunately, it may be impossible to protect yourself from crabs.
You won't know a partner has them unless you search his/her pubic
hair with a magnifying glass and a strong light.
Incubation
period
There is no incubation period, but it takes up to one week for
the itching to begin if this is your first exposure. If you've
had crabs before then you're desensitized, and may begin itching
right away.
Special
notes
Although crabs is a relatively minor STD and is often little more
than a nuisance, it often indicates that you are infected with
another and potentially more serious STD. When you have one STD
be sure to ask your doctor to check you for others.
Prevalence
Extremely prevalent
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