Signs of Pubic Lice

Pubic Lice

Description

Tiny six-legged insects that infect the pubic hair area and lay eggs. These lice can also be found in armpit hair and eyebrows. They are difficult to see without a magnifying glass, but their eggs show up as tiny bumps on the hair follicles (nits). They cause intense itching and redness to the area.

Symptoms

Itching in the pubic area hair (often gets worse at night), bluish-gray discoloration to the skin, sores (lesions) in the genital area due to bites and scratching.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. The doctor can make the diagnosis by looking at the skin and genital area. Because pubic lice may cause an eye infection (blepharitis) in young children, their eyelashes should be examined with a high-powered magnifying glass. Adult lice can be identified under the microscope, and it is their crab like appearance that gives them their name of "crabs".

Treatment

Pubic lice are best treated with a prescription wash such as Elimite or Kwell. Wash the affected area thoroughly for 5 minutes. Rinse completely and then comb the hair with a fine tooth comb to remove the nits (eggs). An additional treatment in 4-7 days is sometimes needed. Over the counter treatments include Rid or Nix. All clothes and linen should be washed with hot water, and items that cannot be washed should be treated with a medicated spray. Another alternative is to place the items in a sealed plastic bag for 2 weeks. All close and intimate contacts should be treated or at least examined for infection. Other sexually transmitted diseases should be considered by the healthcare provider.