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What are PUBIC LICE?
- Pubic lice (also called crabs) are tiny (white, tan or brownish
in color), wingless insects that may live on the skin and hair in the
pubic region, armpits, eyelashes or
temporarily on clothing and bedding.
- Pubic lice feed by biting the skin and sucking blood.
- Pubic lice lay tiny eggs, called nits, which can often be seen on the base
of the hair shaft near the skin.
Causes of PUBIC LICE
- Pubic lice are spread by close physical contact,
usually sexually, with an infected person.
- Contact with recently infected objects (clothing, bedding, etc.) may
also spread pubic lice.
- Pubic lice do not jump, fly or swim.
- Pubic lice can only live off of the human body for a maximum of about 72 hours
although most die within a day.
Symptoms of PUBIC LICE
- Some people may experience no symptoms.
- Pubic lice and nits can usually be seen with the naked eye.
- Itching and irritation of the infected area is due
to the biting of skin by the pubic lice.
- Secondary infections may occur due to itching.
Treatment of PUBIC LICE
- Non-prescription products are
available to kill the
lice and most nits. (Specific products may be
recommended by a physician or pharmacist.)
- Stronger products are also available by
prescription only.
- Repeated treatments may be necessary.
- All eggs and nits must be physically combed out with a special nit
comb.
- On the day treatment is started, items which can be washed
(clothing, bedding, towels, etc) may be washed in hot water and dried
in the dryer.
- Clothes that cannot be machine washed may be ironed or dry-cleaned and
furniture
and carpets should be vacuumed.
- Items which can not be cleaned or washed may be sealed in a plastic
bags for 2 weeks.
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