Public lice, commonly known as “crabs” , are tiny parasitic insects that feed on human blood. They are transmitted through sixual contact with the parasite crawling from one infected person to the other. The may also be spread by sharing clothing or towels.
Condoms do not prevent the spread of pubic lice. Anyone infected should refrain from any sixual contact until the lice are gone. While not especially dangerous to a person’s health, the itching from pubic lice can be intense.
The first symptom of infection is itching that starts about 5 days after contact. A person may also notice grayish-white insects crawling in their pubic hair.
Pubic lice are usually treated with topical prescription medications or over-the-counter medicine. It is vital that the medicines be used according to the directions to ensure all lice and their eggs are destroyed. To prevent reinfection, clothes and bedding should be washed in hot water and dried in the dryer on a hot cycle or dry cleaned.
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