Pubic Lice
What are Pubic Lice?
Pubic lice are tiny insects transmitted from person to person through close physical contact, including sexual activity. They are sometimes called 'crabs' due to their appearance.
Using a condom during sex does not prevent the transmission of pubic lice because they only require skin-to-skin contact to move from one person to another.
Although they are most commonly found in the pubic hair area, pubic lice can also infest hair on the chest, face, stomach, legs, or underarms. In rare instances, they may even be found in eyebrows or eyelashes.
Fortunately, treating pubic lice is straightforward, and our medical professionals can discreetly prescribe the special shampoo or lotion needed.
Symptoms of Pubic Lice
Detecting pubic lice may be complicated by visual inspection due to their small size. If they are visible, you might observe yellow, grey, red, or brown dots in your pubic hair.
However, the primary symptom you'll likely experience is itching, resulting from an allergic reaction to pubic lice bites. This itching is often most pronounced at night when the lice are active. Other symptoms include:
- Skin irritation can worsen depending on the extent and intensity of scratching.
- Blue or red marks on the skin where pubic lice have bitten.
- Presence of black powder in your underwear.
If left untreated, pubic lice can lead to skin problems. If they infest your eyebrows or eyelashes, you may also develop conjunctivitis.
What Causes Pubic Lice?
Pubic lice cannot fly or jump, so the sole means of transmission is direct physical contact with the skin.
This contact can occur during various sexual activity, such as vaginal, oral, or anal sex, even if a condom is used, as condoms do not cover the pubic area. Additionally, pubic lice can be transmitted through any form of intimate contact, including hugging.
There is a slight possibility that pubic lice can be spread by sharing bedding, towels, or clothing. However, since these lice require blood to survive, they will only remain viable briefly once they depart from an infected individual's body.
Pubic Lice Treatment
Several shampoos, creams, and lotions effectively eliminate pubic lice, and our medical professionals can recommend the most suitable option for you.
Following the provided instructions precisely is crucial. Some products only need to be applied to the affected area, while others require application to the entire body for a complete solution.
Repeating the treatment at least once is essential because pubic lice lay eggs that take a couple of days to hatch and are not killed by the initial treatment. By repeating the treatment approximately three days later, you can ensure that all the lice are eradicated.
Our doctors can suggest an alternative solution if your initial treatment is unsuccessful. Unique products are also available for treating lice in eyebrows or eyelashes.
During your pubic lice treatment, it's essential to avoid intimate physical contact with others. Additionally, it is crucial to inform anyone with whom you have had recent physical or sexual contact so that they can seek treatment as well. Our doctors can assist in facilitating anonymous notifications to those contacts if needed.
Pubic Lice Treatment Online
Pubic lice are transmitted through sexual contact, and unlike some other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), they can be contracted even when practising safer sex because they can transfer from one person to another through direct skin-to-skin contact.
Our medical professionals can provide discreet online consultations from the convenience of your home, eliminating the need to visit a clinic or disrupt your schedule. You can connect with an experienced and compassionate doctor online within minutes.
Connect with one of our doctors at Mobi Doctor with the click of a button and receive the care you require.