Pubic lice and scabies
Trouser-troubling critters that don't make great pets. Find out more right here
What are they?
Pubic lice ('crabs') are tiny greyish parasites that can thrive within the genital region. They are about the size of a full stop, and lay eggs attached to the pubic hair. Scabies are tiny mites that burrow into the surface of the skin of the genitals, buttocks, breasts, or between the fingers.
How are they caught?
Both pubic lice and scabies are highly contagious. They can be picked up or passed on by intimate physical contact, which tends to make sexual contact a hotbed of transmission if one partner is infected. They can also be spread by infected bed linen, clothes, and towels. As pubic lice are visible, you'll know if you've caught a dose. As a guide, scabies symptoms can take a month to appear (though the infection is 'live' as soon as it's picked up).
What are the symptoms?
Lice:
- Pubic lice are just visible to the human eye;
- Their droppings can sometimes be seen as black dust on underwear;
- There is often itching in the infected area.
Scabies:
- An intense itching in the affected areas;
- Likelihood of rash where the mites burrow into the skin.
Tests and treatment
Pubic lice can easily be spotted by doctors, so no test is needed. Scabies needs a skin scraping for a diagnosis. Lice are treated with a special lotion or shampoo for the genital area. Scabies is treated with a cream or lotion rubbed in all over the body to kill the mites. It is also important to put all your clothes, towels, and bed linen through a hot machine wash to prevent re-infection.
Complications
If your partner is not treated at the same time, it is easy to get re-infected.
If you think you might have a sexually transmitted infection, sort it out straight away. Go to your nearest genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic, available at most large hospitals. GUM clinics give free and confidential advice and treatment. Or you can make an appointment to see your GP.Reduce your risk of infection. Make sex safer by using condoms every time.
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