PUBIC+LICE

Peri Ganbarg and Jared Severino


 * Pubic lice: **
 * six-legged creatures that infect the pubic hair area and lay eggs
 *  can be found in armpit hair and eyebrows.
 * usually found in teenagers
 * it usually spreads during sexual activity
 * it can be spread through contact with objects such as toilet seats, sheets, blankets, or bathing suits at a store. This is usually very rare.

 **Risk factors:**
 * having multiple sex partners
 * having sexual contact with an infected person
 * sharing bedding or clothing with an infected person.

**Symptoms:**   **Signs and tests:**   **Prevention:**  <span style="display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> <span style="display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px initial initial; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0.6923em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.6923em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">STAGES OF PUBIC LICE: <span style="display: block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
 * itching in the area covered by pubic hair
 * skin reaction that is bluish-gray in color
 * sores (lesions) in the genital area due to bites and scratching.
 * An examination of the outer genital area shows small gray-white oval eggs (nits) attached to the hair shaft.
 * It may also reveal adult lice.
 * The health care provider might also see scratch marks or signs of an infection such as impetigo.
 * pubic lice may cause an eye infection in young children so their eyelashes should be examined for evidence of lice with a high-powered magnifying glass.
 * adult lice may be easily identified under the microscope.
 * their crab-like appearance is the reason that pubic lice are referred to as "the crabs."
 * teenagers with pubic lice may need to be tested for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
 * Treatment:**
 * <span style="font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Pubic lice are best treated with a prescription wash containing permethrin
 * <span style="font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Thoroughly work the shampoo into the pubic hair and surrounding area for at least 5 minutes.
 * <span style="font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Comb the pubic hair with a fine-toothed comb to remove eggs (nits).
 * <span style="font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Applying vinegar to pubic hair before combing may help loosen nits, but the hair should be dry when applying the shampoo.
 * <span style="font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">While treating pubic lice, wash all clothing and linens in hot water. Items that cannot be washed may be sprayed with a medicated spray or sealed (suffocated) in plastic bags and not used for 10 - 14 days.
 * <span style="font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It is important for all intimate contacts to be treated at the same time.
 * <span style="font-size: 13px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">People with pubic lice should be evaluated for other sexually-transmitted infections at the time of diagnosis.
 * Avoid sexual or intimate contact with infected people.
 * If you are sexually active, use safe sex practices to avoid getting lice.
 * Good personal hygiene is always recommended.
 * Try to avoid trying on bathing suits while you are shopping. If you must try them on, be sure to wear your underwear. This may prevent transmission.
 * There are three stages of pubic lice; Nit, Nymph, and Adult
 * The nit, or egg, <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">are found firmly attached at the base of a hair. They are usually yellow or white in color. Easiest to find.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">The nymphs emerge from their eggs after approximately 10 days of incubation. They are sexually immature and therefore cannot mate with other adults or nymphs. They do feed on blood and therefore cause the same itching and irritation as adult bites. Nymphs are essentially a smaller version of adults, making them very difficult to find. Their small size along with their mobility make them tricky to locate and are therefore rarely used in diagnosis.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">The nymphs mature into adults, after about 10 days. The adults are tan to grayish-white in color. They have 6 legs, including 2 prominent front legs which look much like the pinchers of a crab.