Identifying the Pubic Louse

There are actually three kinds of lice that can live off human blood. Most people are probably familiar with the head or hair louse. Aside from this common parasite, there is also the body louse and the pubic louse. The pubic louse is particularly offensive and troublesome.

The Pubic Louse

The pubic louse is a broad oval shaped insect that can grow to a maximum of only 3mm. It is also sometimes called crab louse because an adult pubic louse looks much like a tiny crab. It has six clawed legs that allow it to stick stubbornly on hair. Its body structure allows it to thrive on widely spaced hair areas like the eyebrows, beard, chest hair and armpit hair. It is however most commonly found in the hair on the genital area which is why it is called pubic louse. Strangely, pubic lice cannot survive on fine, closely spaced head hair.

Like the head and body louse, the pubic louse feeds on human blood but can survive away from a host for approximately one day. While on a host, it can live up to a month. By the time adult pubic lice die, newly hatched eggs can take their place. Females typically lay 30 eggs in its entire life.

Life Stages

Just like head lice, pubic lice begin as oval shaped, white nits or eggs found close to the skin on the hair shaft. After seven days, nymphs appear from the eggs and begin feeding off from the host so they can grow. Nymphs usually become adults after another seven days. As adults, pubic lice will continue to feed on the human host until they die after a month.

Transmission

You can get a pubic louse from people who have it and the number one method of transmission is through sexual contact. This is why an infestation of pubic lice is considered a sexually transmitted disease. This does not mean though that sexual contact is the only way to get pubic louse infestations. Children who get pubic lice may get them by using towels, clothes and bed sheets of people infected with pubic lice. They can also get it if their things get into contact with the personal things of people with pubic lice. Staying physically close beside individuals with pubic lice may also be one way to transmit the insects.

Signs and Symptoms

Like head lice, one way to check if you have pubic lice is to manually inspect your pubic hair. Adult lice, nits or discarded nit shells may be visible. Another possible indication however would be persistent itchiness that may seem to be at its worst at night. Scratching can cause skin irritation and even infection. Consider checking for pubic lice if you feel an unusual and persistent itchiness.

Prevention and Treatment

Since these lice are sexually transmitted, then the best way to prevent getting them is to avoid sexual contact with people you do not know or people you think have lice. Once you get the lice, you may have to apply chemical medication, comb your hair and probably even shave it.