Crabs

Crabs, also known as pubic lice, are tiny insects that live in the genital area. They're different from head lice or body lice. These tiny creatures are about the size of a sesame seed, hence the name "crab."

Most often, people get pubic lice through sexual contact. However, children sometimes get them in their eyebrows or eyelashes, and this could be a sign of something serious, like abuse. It's also possible to pick up crabs by sharing clothing, bedding, or towels with someone who has them.

Pubic lice feed on human blood. This feeding causes intense itching. The good news is that you can treat crabs with over-the-counter creams and lotions that kill the lice and their eggs. Following the directions carefully is important to make sure the treatment is effective.

Pubic lice, sometimes called crabs, cause intense itching around the genitals. This itching is a common symptom. These tiny insects can spread to other parts of the body with thicker, coarser hair. This includes areas like:

• Legs: The hair on the legs can provide a home for pubic lice.
• Chest: Similar to legs, the hair on the chest can also be a place for the lice to live.
• Armpits: Hairy areas like armpits are also susceptible to pubic lice infestations.
• Beard or mustache: Men with beards or mustaches might also experience an infestation in these areas.
• Eyelashes or eyebrows: While less common, children sometimes get pubic lice in their eyelashes or eyebrows. This is less frequent than other areas.

If pubic lice aren't going away after trying over-the-counter remedies, it's important to see a doctor. Also, if you're pregnant, or if you have any cuts or sores on your skin from scratching, you should definitely get professional help. A doctor can recommend the best treatment for your specific situation.

Pubic lice, also called crabs, are tiny insects that spread easily. They're most often caught during close physical contact, like sexual activity. This includes skin-to-skin contact. Sharing items like bedding, towels, or clothing with someone who has pubic lice can also spread the infestation.

People with certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are more likely to have pubic lice. This means there's a connection between having one type of infection and an increased chance of having another. If you have one STI, it's important to talk to a healthcare provider about the possibility of other infections, including pubic lice. This is because early detection and treatment are vital for managing sexual health. Pubic lice, also known as crabs, are small parasites that spread through close physical contact during sexual activity. They cause itching and discomfort. Getting tested for STIs regularly is a crucial part of staying healthy.

Pubic lice, also known as crabs, are usually treated with lotions or gels that kill the lice. While these treatments are effective, sometimes a pubic lice infestation can cause problems.

These problems can include:

• Changes in skin color: Areas where the lice have fed for a long time might appear pale blue. This is because the lice's feeding irritates the skin.
• Skin infections: The itching from pubic lice bites can make you scratch the area until it's raw. If this happens, bacteria or other germs can enter the open wounds, leading to a secondary infection. This is a common problem, and it's important to treat the lice and the infection properly.
• Eye problems: If a child has pubic lice on their eyelashes, they might get a type of pink eye called conjunctivitis. The lice irritate the eyes, causing redness, swelling, and sometimes discharge. This can affect their vision, so prompt treatment is important.

To stop pubic lice from spreading, don't have sex or share bedding or clothes with someone who has them. If you have pubic lice and are getting treatment, it's important that all your sexual partners also get treated to prevent the lice from coming back. This helps keep everyone from getting re-infected. Sharing personal items like towels or hats is also something to avoid if someone has pubic lice.

Checking for pubic lice, also called crabs, is often as simple as looking closely at your pubic hair. If you see tiny insects moving around, you likely have pubic lice.

You might also see small, tiny eggs (called nits) attached to your hairs. These eggs can stick to hair even after the lice are gone, so seeing nits doesn't automatically mean you have an active infestation. It could mean the lice were present in the past and have been treated successfully. A doctor or healthcare professional can confirm if the nits are still active or just remnants from a previous infestation.

Dealing with pubic lice can sometimes require stronger treatments than over-the-counter remedies. If lotions or shampoos containing 1% permethrin (like Nix) or pyrethrin aren't effective, your doctor might prescribe something more potent.

Treating eyelashes and eyebrows: If pubic lice are present in your eyelashes or eyebrows, a doctor might recommend applying petroleum jelly with a cotton swab at night. Wash it off in the morning. This method may need to be repeated for several weeks. Be very careful to apply the jelly correctly, as it can irritate your eyes.

Removing small infestations: If you only have a few live lice and eggs (nits), you might be able to remove them yourself using a special nit comb or even your fingernails. If more treatment is needed, your doctor can prescribe a cream or ointment to apply to the affected area.

Important: All hairy areas of the body need to be thoroughly checked and treated. Pubic lice can move from one area to another, even if one spot is already treated. Don't try to remove them by shaving. Shaving won't kill the lice.

Prescription treatments: Your doctor may prescribe other treatments, including:

• Malathion: This is a lotion applied to the affected area, and then washed off after 8 to 12 hours.

• Ivermectin (Stromectol): This medicine is taken as two pills as a single dose. If needed, a second dose can be taken 10 days later if the first dose isn't completely effective.

Eyelashes and Eyebrows (again): If pubic lice are found in your eyelashes or eyebrows, a doctor might recommend applying petroleum jelly with a cotton swab at night and washing it off in the morning. This may need to be repeated for several weeks. Be very careful to apply the jelly correctly, as it can irritate your eyes.

Removing small infestations (again): If you only have a few live lice and eggs (nits), you might be able to remove them yourself using a special nit comb or even your fingernails. If more treatment is needed, your doctor can prescribe a cream or ointment.

Getting rid of pubic lice (crabs) takes time and careful cleaning. It's important to treat yourself and anything that might have come into contact with the lice.

Here's how to tackle a lice infestation:

• Use medicated lotions or shampoos: There are many over-the-counter products (like Nix) made to kill lice. Follow the directions on the product carefully. You might need to use the treatment again in about a week or ten days to make sure all the lice are gone. These products work by killing the lice directly.

• Wash contaminated items: Wash all bedding, clothes, and towels you used in the past two days. Use very hot water (at least 130°F or 54°C) and soap. Then, dry the items on high heat for at least 20 minutes. This will kill any lice eggs (nits) that might be attached to fabric. This thorough washing is crucial to stopping the spread.

• Handle unwashable items: If you can't wash an item, like a stuffed animal or certain fabrics, have it dry-cleaned or put it in a sealed, airtight bag for at least two weeks. This will prevent the lice from living on the item and spreading. The lack of air and the time will kill the lice. If you have items you can't wash, a good alternative is placing them in a plastic bag, sealing it tightly, and leaving it in a well-ventilated area for 2 weeks.

Remember, consistent treatment and thorough cleaning are key to getting rid of pubic lice completely. If you're still experiencing issues after following these steps, it's important to see a doctor for personalized advice.