Pubic Lice

Pubic lice also referred to as "crabs" due to the crab-like appearance under a microscope are six-legged creatures that most commonly infest pubic hair, however can also infest other body hair. In most cases, pubic lice are transmitted sexually from the pubic hair of one person to another but can be contracted in other ways, too from infested clothing, towels, and bedding are a few examples.

Typically, pubic lice can be treated at home. But if someone in the house has them, it's important to take precautions so that they don't spread.

Symptoms

It is possible to have pubic lice and have no symptoms, although people suffering from this usually experience itchiness. This will often worsen at night when the lice become active and bury their heads inside pubic hair follicles to feed on a person's blood.

Sometimes, the bites can also cause the infested area to become inflamed which can be due to a reaction to the proteins in the saliva of the lice. The area can become raw and lead to a secondary bacterial infection due to constant itching and scratching. This can also cause the pubic lice to spread.

If the infestation initially involves a few lice that then lay eggs, a person may not experience any symptoms for 2 to 4 weeks until the eggs hatch whereas if the infestation consists of many adult lice, symptoms may be noticeable immediately. In young children, pubic lice may also be a cause of blepharitis (irritation or infection of the eyelids). So, a child's eyelashes should be examined with a high-powered magnifying glass if lice are suspected.

Contagiousness

Contrary to what some people may think, pubic lice are rarely transmitted from furniture or toilet seats. Lice that fall from the body are usually injured or dying. Lice, unlike fleas, can't jump from person to person. And they can't be contracted from animals.

Pubic lice can live 1 to 2 days away from a human body

Prevention

If you know that someone has been infested with lice it is important to avoid contact with bedding or towels which they may have used.

More commonly, pubic lice infestation is spread through sexual contact, so the best way to prevent it is to abstain from having sex. Sexual contact with more than one partner or with someone who has more than one partner increases the risk of contracting any STD.

When properly and consistently used, condoms decrease the risk of STDs. Latex condoms provide greater protection than natural-membrane condoms. The female condom, made of polyurethane, is also considered effective against STDs.

However, because condoms don't cover the area with pubic hair, they are not good protection against pubic lice.

A teen that is being treated for pubic lice also should be tested for other STDs, and should have time alone with the doctor to openly discuss issues like sexual activity.

Getting Help

If your teen is thinking of becoming sexually active or already has started having sex, it's important to talk with him or her about it. Make sure your teen knows how STDs can be spread (during anal, oral, or vaginal sex) and that these infections often don't have symptoms, so a partner might have an STD without knowing it.

It can be difficult to talk about STDs, but just as with any other medical issue, teens need this information to stay safe and healthy. Provide the facts, and let your child know where you stand.

Not all teens will be comfortable talking with parents about these issues. If this is the case and you feel that your teen does not want to talk to you suggest that they talk to a close friend or relative who you can trust to give them the correct advice and information