Contents:
- Medical Video: A Guy Thing (3/12) Movie CLIP - Paul Has Crabs (2003) HD
- What are the features or signs that I have genital lice?
- Key features
- Signs of scratching and inflammation
- Can we see pubic lice?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Take a test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Why can I get sex lice?
Medical Video: A Guy Thing (3/12) Movie CLIP - Paul Has Crabs (2003) HD
Pubic lice (Phthirus pubis) aka genital lice are small parasitic insects that live in human coarse hair, including pubic hair. Although these fleas are often found in the pubic area, they can also be found in armpit and leg, chest hair, abdomen and back, and facial hair (such as beard, mustache, eyelashes and eyebrows). Unlike common lice, genital lice do not stay in the skin of the hair. It spreads through close physical contact, often through sexual contact.
What are the features or signs that I have genital lice?
Key features
The main symptom of genital lice is severe itching. This often worsens at night when fleas are more active and eat human blood. Itching is not caused by bites, but by an allergic reaction or skin hypersensitivity to the saliva of the lice which is exposed to the skin before the bite. Itching is confined to the affected area, generally continuous, but can also spread to the stomach, thighs and legs. Someone affected by pubic lice in other parts of the body also complains of itching.
Signs of scratching and inflammation
Because scratching in the affected area, you will experience irritation and inflammation, and redness. That might be a scratch. Skin released from scratching can also be damaged and perhaps the skin has a secondary bacterial infection of the skin due to lack of protection on the skin in the area. This usually fades in one day to two days. Very small drops or blood spots can be seen on the affected skin and also in the underwear.
Can we see pubic lice?
This flea has a size of about 1-2 mm and has a yellowish, gray, or brown color. Lice are difficult to see with the naked eye because they will stop moving when there is light. Lice eggs are tightly attached to the base of the hair affected by fleas. Eggs will usually hatch in 6-10 days. Empty eggs that are grayish white can be seen at the base of the hair on the affected area. Sometimes it may look like dandruff, but it's different because it can't be cleaned easily.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have the various characteristics above, you should visit your doctor. Or, you can go to a sexual health clinic, or commonly known as a genitourinary treatment clinic (GUM). This is usually found in hospitals or health centers. Look for these services in your area. Pubic lice are usually easy to diagnose by examining the affected area. The doctor or nurse can use a magnifying glass to look for signs of fleas.
Take a test for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
You should be tested for other sexually transmitted infections if you have pubic lice through sexual contact. Lice do not transmit HIV or other venereal diseases, but check-up usually done for precautionary measures. Every sexual partner you have for the past three months must also be examined and treated.
Why can I get sex lice?
Pubic lice are not associated with poor personal hygiene. They usually spread through close physical contact with an infected person. Fleas crawl from hair to hair, but cannot fly or jump. They need human blood to survive, so that lice only leave the body to move from one person to another.
The most common way of spreading fleas is through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Using condoms and other contraceptives will not protect you from genital lice. Other types of close body contact, such as hugging and kissing, can also spread fleas. The spread of fleas through towels, clothes, or blankets may occur, but very rarely.
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