What are pubic lice and how do they spread. How can you identify and treat pubic lice infestations. What preventive measures can be taken against pubic lice. How do pubic lice differ from other types of lice.

Understanding Pubic Lice: The Basics

Pubic lice, commonly known as crabs, are tiny parasitic insects that primarily inhabit the pubic or genital area of humans. These minuscule creatures, scientifically classified as Pthirus pubis, belong to the family of blood-sucking parasites that rely on human hosts for survival. Unlike their counterparts, head lice and body lice, pubic lice have adapted specifically to thrive in coarse body hair regions.

While the pubic area is their preferred habitat, these resilient parasites can occasionally be found in other areas with coarse hair, including:

• Legs
• Armpits
• Mustache
• Beard
• Eyebrows
• Eyelashes

It’s crucial to note that the presence of pubic lice on the eyebrows or eyelashes of children or teenagers may indicate sexual exposure or abuse, warranting immediate attention and investigation.

The Life Cycle and Behavior of Pubic Lice

Understanding the life cycle and behavior of pubic lice is essential for effective prevention and treatment. These parasites go through three distinct stages in their life cycle:

1. Nits (eggs)
2. Nymphs (immature lice)
3. Adults

Adult pubic lice measure about 1.5-2 mm in length and have a crab-like appearance, hence their colloquial name. They possess strong claws that allow them to grasp onto hair shafts tightly. Unlike head lice, pubic lice cannot hop or fly; they can only crawl from one hair to another.

Female lice lay eggs (nits) at the base of hair shafts, which hatch after about 6-10 days. The nymphs then molt three times before reaching adulthood, a process that takes approximately 2-3 weeks. Adult pubic lice can live for up to 30 days on a human host but will die within 1-2 days if they fall off or are removed from the body.

Transmission and Risk Factors for Pubic Lice Infestations

Pubic lice primarily spread through close physical contact, with sexual activity being the most common mode of transmission. However, it’s important to understand that these parasites can also be acquired through other means:

• Sharing clothing, bedding, or towels with an infested person
• Close physical contact with an infested individual, even if not sexual in nature
• Using infested toilet seats or furniture (although this is less common)

Can pubic lice be transmitted from animals to humans? No, pubic lice are species-specific and cannot be acquired from or transmitted to animals. This misconception often leads to unnecessary concern about pet-to-human transmission.

Who is most at risk for pubic lice infestations? While anyone can contract pubic lice, certain factors increase the likelihood of infestation:

• Sexually active adults, particularly those with multiple partners
• Individuals who share living spaces or personal items with infested persons
• People with compromised immune systems
• Those with poor personal hygiene

Recognizing the Symptoms of Pubic Lice

Identifying a pubic lice infestation early is crucial for prompt treatment and preventing spread to others. The most common symptoms include:

• Intense itching in the pubic and genital areas
• Visible nits (eggs) attached to hair shafts
• Crawling lice on the skin or in pubic hair
• Small, bluish-gray spots on the skin (caused by lice bites)
• Fever and irritability (in severe cases)

How soon do symptoms appear after infestation? Typically, symptoms begin to manifest 5 to 7 days after initial infestation. However, in some cases, it may take up to several weeks for noticeable symptoms to develop, especially in individuals who have never had pubic lice before.

Is itching always present in pubic lice infestations? While itching is the most common symptom, not everyone experiences it. Some individuals may be asymptomatic, making regular self-examinations important for those at risk.

Diagnosing Pubic Lice: Methods and Challenges

Diagnosing pubic lice can be challenging due to their small size and the potential for low-level infestations. Healthcare professionals typically use the following methods for diagnosis:

• Visual inspection: Examining the pubic area and other potentially affected regions for lice or nits
• Magnification: Using a magnifying glass or dermatoscope to identify lice and eggs more easily
• Wet combing: Running a fine-toothed comb through pubic hair to collect and identify lice
• Microscopic examination: Analyzing collected specimens under a microscope for definitive identification

Why can pubic lice be difficult to spot? Pubic lice are smaller than head lice and often attach themselves to more than one hair shaft. They also move more slowly than other types of lice, making them less noticeable during casual observation.

Should individuals with pubic lice be tested for other STDs? Yes, healthcare providers often recommend screening for other sexually transmitted infections in individuals diagnosed with pubic lice, as they share similar transmission routes.

Effective Treatment Options for Pubic Lice Infestations

Treating pubic lice infestations promptly and effectively is crucial to prevent spread and alleviate symptoms. The primary treatment options include:

1. Over-the-counter medications:
   • Permethrin lotion (1%)
   • Pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide
2. Prescription medications:
   • Malathion lotion (0.5%)
   • Ivermectin (oral medication)

How should these treatments be applied? Most topical treatments should be applied to the affected areas and left on for a specified period (usually 8-12 hours) before being washed off. It’s crucial to follow the instructions provided with the medication carefully.

Is a single treatment sufficient to eliminate pubic lice? While one treatment is often effective, a second application is typically recommended 9-10 days after the initial treatment to ensure complete eradication of any newly hatched lice.

Additional Steps for Effective Treatment

To maximize the effectiveness of pubic lice treatment, consider the following additional measures:

• Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used in the 2-3 days before treatment in hot water (at least 130°F) and dry on high heat
• Vacuum furniture, carpets, and other surfaces where lice may have fallen
• Avoid sexual contact until treatment is complete and no live lice are found
• Inform recent sexual partners so they can be checked and treated if necessary

Preventing Pubic Lice: Strategies for Reducing Risk

While complete prevention of pubic lice infestations is challenging, several strategies can significantly reduce the risk of acquiring or spreading these parasites:

• Practice safe sex and limit the number of sexual partners
• Avoid sharing clothing, towels, or bedding with others
• Regularly inspect the pubic area for signs of infestation, especially after sexual encounters with new partners
• Maintain good personal hygiene
• Wash and dry clothing and bedding at high temperatures if infestation is suspected

Can pubic lice be prevented by shaving pubic hair? While shaving or waxing pubic hair may make it more difficult for lice to attach, it does not provide complete protection against infestation. Practicing safe sex and avoiding close contact with infected individuals remain the most effective preventive measures.

Pubic Lice vs. Other Types of Lice: Understanding the Differences

While pubic lice, head lice, and body lice all belong to the same family of parasites, they have distinct characteristics and behaviors. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper identification and treatment:

Pubic Lice (Pthirus pubis)

• Primarily inhabit pubic and genital areas
• Can also infest other coarse body hair
• Spread mainly through sexual contact
• Smaller and rounder than head or body lice

Head Lice (Pediculus humanus capitis)

• Infest the scalp and hair on the head
• Spread through head-to-head contact or sharing personal items
• More elongated than pubic lice
• Common in school-aged children

Body Lice (Pediculus humanus corporis)

• Live in clothing and bedding, coming onto the skin to feed
• Associated with poor hygiene and crowded living conditions
• Can spread diseases like typhus
• Larger than pubic or head lice

Does having one type of lice increase the risk of getting another type? While it’s possible to have multiple types of lice infestations simultaneously, having one type does not necessarily increase the risk of acquiring another. Each type of lice is adapted to specific areas of the body and has different transmission methods.

The Psychological Impact of Pubic Lice Infestations

While pubic lice infestations are treatable and do not cause serious physical health problems, they can have significant psychological effects on those affected. Common emotional responses include:

• Embarrassment and shame
• Anxiety about sexual relationships
• Fear of social stigma
• Stress related to treatment and prevention of reinfestation
• Concerns about personal hygiene

How can individuals cope with the psychological impact of pubic lice infestations? Seeking support from healthcare providers, counselors, or support groups can be beneficial. Education about the condition and its treatment can also help alleviate anxiety and promote a more positive outlook.

Pubic Lice in Special Populations: Children, Pregnant Women, and Immunocompromised Individuals

While pubic lice infestations are most common in sexually active adults, special considerations are necessary for certain populations:

Children

The presence of pubic lice in children, especially on the eyelashes or eyebrows, may indicate sexual abuse and should be investigated thoroughly. Treatment options may differ for young children, and close monitoring is essential.

Pregnant Women

Some treatments for pubic lice may not be safe during pregnancy. Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider for safe and effective treatment options.

Immunocompromised Individuals

People with weakened immune systems may be more susceptible to complications from pubic lice infestations and may require more aggressive treatment approaches.

Are there alternative treatments for these special populations? Yes, healthcare providers may recommend alternative treatments or modified application methods for these groups to ensure safety and efficacy.

Myths and Misconceptions About Pubic Lice

Despite the availability of accurate information, many myths and misconceptions persist about pubic lice. Addressing these can help reduce stigma and promote better understanding of the condition:

• Myth: Pubic lice can jump or fly from person to person
• Fact: Pubic lice can only crawl and require close contact for transmission
• Myth: Only people with poor hygiene get pubic lice
• Fact: Pubic lice can infest anyone, regardless of personal hygiene habits
• Myth: Pubic lice can be transmitted through toilet seats
• Fact: While possible, this mode of transmission is extremely rare
• Myth: You can get rid of pubic lice by shaving all body hair
• Fact: Shaving alone is not an effective treatment and may increase the risk of skin irritation

Why do these myths persist? Lack of education, social stigma, and misinformation contribute to the persistence of these myths. Promoting accurate information through healthcare providers and public health campaigns is crucial for dispelling misconceptions.

Global Prevalence and Public Health Implications of Pubic Lice

While exact global prevalence figures for pubic lice infestations are difficult to determine due to underreporting and self-treatment, estimates suggest that millions of cases occur worldwide annually. The public health implications of pubic lice infestations include:

• Increased healthcare costs associated with treatment and prevention
• Potential for spread of other sexually transmitted infections
• Need for comprehensive sexual health education and awareness programs
• Challenges in surveillance and monitoring of infestation rates

How do pubic lice infestations impact public health policies? The prevalence of pubic lice infestations influences policies related to sexual health education, STI screening protocols, and the availability of over-the-counter treatments.

Future Directions in Pubic Lice Research and Treatment

As with many areas of medical research, the field of pubic lice study continues to evolve. Future directions may include:

• Development of more effective and longer-lasting treatments
• Improved diagnostic techniques for early detection
• Research into potential vaccine development
• Studies on the impact of changing grooming habits on pubic lice prevalence
• Investigation of potential links between pubic lice and other health conditions

What role might technology play in future pubic lice management? Advancements in medical technology could lead to the development of smart devices for early detection, mobile apps for tracking outbreaks, or novel treatment delivery systems.

Pubic Lice | Crabs | MedlinePlus

What are pubic lice?

Pubic lice (also called crabs) are tiny insects which usually live in the pubic or genital area of humans. They are also sometimes found on other coarse body hair, such as hair on the legs, armpits, mustache, beard, eyebrows, or eyelashes. Pubic lice on the eyebrows or eyelashes of children or teens may be a sign of sexual exposure or abuse.

Pubic lice are parasites, and they need to feed on human blood to survive. They are one of the three types of lice that live on humans. The other two types are head lice and body lice. Each type of lice is different, and getting one type does not mean that you will get another type.

How do pubic lice spread?

Pubic lice move by crawling, because they cannot hop or fly. They usually spread through sexual contact. Occasionally, they may spread through physical contact with a person who has pubic lice, or through contact with clothing, beds, bed linens, or towels that were used by a person with pubic lice. You cannot get pubic lice from animals.

Who is at risk for pubic lice?

Since they spread mainly through sexual contact, pubic lice are most common in adults.

What are the symptoms of pubic lice?

The most common symptom of pubic lice is intense itching in the genital area. You may also see nits (lice eggs) or crawling lice.

How do you know if you have pubic lice?

A diagnosis of a pubic lice usually comes from seeing a louse or nit. But lice and nits can be difficult to find because there may be only a few present. Also, they often attach themselves to more than one hair, and they do not crawl as quickly as head and body lice. Sometimes it takes a magnifying lens to see the lice or nits.

People who have pubic lice should also be checked for other sexually transmitted diseases, and their sexual partners should also be checked for pubic lice.

What are the treatments for pubic lice?

The main treatment for pubic lice is a lice-killing lotion. Options include a lotion that contains permethrin or a mousse containing pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide. These products are available over-the-counter without a prescription. They are safe and effective when you use them according to the instructions. Usually one treatment will get rid of the lice. If not, you may need another treatment after 9-10 days.

There are other lice-killing medicines that are available with a prescription from your health care provider.

You should also wash your clothes, bedding, and towels with hot water, and dry them using the hot cycle of the dryer.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Pubic “Crab” Lice Diagnosis

  (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

• Pubic “Crab” Lice Prevention and Control

  (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

• Pubic “Crab” Lice Treatment

  (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

• Pubic Lice (Crabs)

  (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research)

  Also in Spanish

• Pubic Lice (Crabs) (For Teens)

  (Nemours Foundation)

  Also in Spanish

• Pubic Lice (For Parents)

  (Nemours Foundation)

  Also in Spanish

• Pubic Lice (Pediculosis Pubis)

  (VisualDX)

• Article: Dermoscopy of pediculosis pubis in an octogenarian man.

• Article: Secondary structure construction and molecular identification of rRNA 18S V4 region…

• Article: Lice and lice-borne diseases in humans in Africa: A narrative review.

• Pubic Lice — see more articles

Pediculosis (lice, head lice, body lice, pubic lice, cooties, crabs)

Last Reviewed: October 2011

What is pediculosis?

Pediculosis is an infestation of the hairy parts of the body or clothing with the eggs, larvae or adults of lice. The crawling stages of this insect feed on human blood, which can result in severe itching. Head lice are usually located on the scalp, crab lice in the pubic area and body lice along seams of clothing. Body lice travel to the skin to feed and return back to the clothing.

Who gets pediculosis?

Anyone may become louse infested under suitable conditions of exposure. Pediculosis is easily transmitted from person to person during direct contact. Head lice infestations are frequently found in school settings or institutions. Crab lice infestations can be found among sexually active individuals. Body lice infestation can be found in people living in crowded, unsanitary conditions where clothing is infrequently changed or laundered.

How is pediculosis spread?

For both head lice and body lice, transmission can occur during direct contact with an infested individual. Sharing of clothing and combs or brushes may also result in transmission of these insects. While other means are possible, crab lice are most often transmitted through sexual contact.

What are the symptoms of pediculosis?

Usually, the first indication of an infestation is the itching or scratching in the area of the body where the lice feed. Scratching at the back of the head or around the ears should lead to an examination for head louse eggs (nits) on the hair. Itching around the genital area should lead to an examination for crab lice or their eggs. Scratching can be sufficiently intense to result in secondary bacterial infection in these areas.

How soon do symptoms appear?

It may take as long as two to three weeks or longer for a person to notice the intense itching associated with this infestation.

For how long is a person able to spread pediculosis?

Pediculosis can be spread as long as lice or eggs remain alive on the infested person or clothing.

What is the treatment for pediculosis?

Medicated shampoos or cream rinses containing pyrethrins or permethrin are preferred for treating people with head lice. Products containing pyrethrins, permethrin or malathion are available over-the-counter, but those containing lindane or malathion are available only through a physician’s prescription. Lindane-based shampoos are not recommended for infants, young children, pregnant women, lactating women, the elderly, persons with HIV or seizure disorders, persons who have very irritated skin or sores where the lidane will be applied and persons who weigh less than 110 pounds. Retreatment after 7 to 10 days is often recommended to ensure that no eggs have survived. Nit combs are available to help remove nits from hair. Dose and duration of shampoo treatment should be followed carefully according to label instructions.

What can be done to prevent the spread of pediculosis?

Physical contact with infested individuals and their belongings, especially clothing, headgear and bedding, should be avoided. Health education on the life history of lice, proper treatment and the importance of laundering clothing and bedding in hot water or dry cleaning to destroy lice and eggs is extremely valuable. In addition, regular direct inspection of children for head lice, and when indicated, of body and clothing, particularly of children in schools, institutions, nursing homes and summer camps, is important.

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The crab test is the determination of IgE antibodies to the corresponding allergen.

Crabs are crustaceans that live in salty sea water (although there are species that live in fresh water). They are covered with a thick exoskeleton, have ten legs and one pair of claws. Snow crabs (Chionoecetes opilio) are the most widely used species from the Oreoniidae family.

Crabs are one of the most popular crustaceans consumed by humans, accounting for one fifth of all marine crustaceans caught, farmed and consumed worldwide. Crab meat is valued for its soft, tender and sweet taste. A distinction is made between white crab meat, which is obtained from claws and legs, and brown crab meat, which is obtained from the body. White meat has less fat, but brown meat has more omega-3 fatty acids. The orange or yellow eggs of the female crab can also be eaten.

The preparation of crabs for eating differs from region to region. Some species are eaten whole, while others only use certain parts, such as the claws. Imitation crab, also called surimi, is made from minced fish that has been processed and colored to resemble crab meat, but usually does not contain real crab meat. Exposure to crab allergens can also occur in occupational settings, such as dust and sewage from seafood factories.

Most of the characterized shellfish allergens are found in the edible body parts (muscle areas) of various shellfish species. The main allergen in shellfish, tropomyosin, is present in the claws and tail of crabs, and arginine kinase is found in the leg muscles of the crab.

Crab is a strong allergen, sometimes causing dramatic manifestations. It can also be considered an occupational allergen for food workers. Shellfish allergy is one of the most common food allergies and usually persists throughout a patient’s life. Most people (about 60%) with shellfish allergies experience their first allergic reaction in adulthood.

Symptoms can be severe and potentially life-threatening, including anaphylaxis. Even a very small amount of shellfish can provoke a reaction. Ingestion of crab in sensitized individuals may result in skin reactions including urticaria, angioedema, eczema, gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, vomiting), systemic reactions (anaphylactic shock), and respiratory symptoms.

Exposure to steam while cooking shellfish has been reported to cause an allergic reaction in some cases due to the presence of allergenic proteins in the steam. Fishermen, processors, shellfish grinders, cooks and even restaurant workers are at risk of developing allergic reactions to shellfish. Smoking may increase the risk of developing snow crab occupational asthma, while atopy may increase the risk of developing occupational snow crab allergy.

Children with seafood allergy have increased levels of specific IgE antibodies with a greater diversity of epitopes than adults. Generally, there are two types of epitopes in food allergens: sequential and conformational. Sensitization to consecutive epitopes is associated with persistent allergy, and the patient may recognize more consecutive IgE epitopes. It has been found that in elderly patients with persistent food allergies, sensitization to specific sequential IgE epitopes is different from that of children, who may outgrow their allergies.

Common major allergens have been identified in crabs, crayfish, shrimp and lobsters. Tropomyosin is cross-reactive among various species of the mollusk family (especially crustaceans) such as shrimp, crabs and lobsters due to identical amino acids (up to 95-100%). In addition, tropomyosin, an invertebrate panallergen, is responsible for cross-reactivity between food and animal aeroallergens.

In invertebrates (crustaceans, molluscs, mites and cockroaches), tropomyosin and arginine kinase are cross-reactive panallergens due to similar phylogenetic identities. Studies have shown that tropomyosin and arginine kinase cross-react with Portunus pelagicus (blue swimming crab) allergens.

Patients allergic to the crustacean family often react to shellfish groups (such as squid or cuttlefish, abalone, snails, oysters, mussels, scallops, clams) as well as mites, cockroaches and parasites.

• Identification of allergens that may cause characteristic symptoms of an allergic disease.
• Suspicion of food allergies in both adults and children.
• Assessing the risk of developing an allergic response to crabs and other seafood.
• Children with food allergies in their parents.
• Doubtful results of skin tests.

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Coronavirus: why pharmacists need horseshoe crab blue blood and how it will help the Covid-19 vaccine?

July 8, 2020

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Image copyright, Getty Images

They have ten eyes, are 60 centimeters long, have lived on Earth for over 300 million years, and they do indeed have pale blue blood, which is highly valued in pharmacology and saves our health .

No, this is not science fiction, but ordinary, good old science. Meet horseshoe crabs, or, as they are also called, horseshoe crabs – although, strictly speaking, they are not actually crabs, but their closest relatives are arachnids.

People are very dependent on horseshoe crabs, or rather, on their blood, which, among other things, is used to determine the purity of medicines, and now also to create a potential coronavirus vaccine.

However, each medal has a downside, in this case it is the life of the horseshoe crabs themselves, who also have their blood (in fact, hemolymph, which is actually a cross between blood and lymph).

Therefore, wildlife conservationists want to end the practice of “milking” these crabs (let’s call them that for convenience).

What are the benefits of horseshoe crabs?

Image copyright, Getty Images

Photo caption,

Some of us, quite possibly, owe their lives to these creatures and don’t even know it

The blood of these “living fossils” has a unique property: it coagulates when it enters even the smallest amount of pathogenic bacteria or other foreign microorganisms, turning into jelly. Thus, the immune system of horseshoe crabs protects other organs from damage.

Using extracts made from the cells of this hemolymph to test new medicines, scientists can be absolutely sure that they have not got bacteria or their metabolic products, which can then harm a person.

Only horseshoe crab blood possesses this amazing property.

Therefore, every year, thousands of these crabs are caught at sea and sent to American laboratories, where some of their blood is taken and then released into the wild.

The reagent extracted from the hemolymph of horseshoe crabs is highly valued – the cost of one liter of Limulus amebocyte lysate is about 15 thousand dollars, which makes it one of the most expensive medicines in the world.

Image copyright, Getty Images

Image caption,

About 30% of horseshoe crab’s hemolymph is extracted in the “milking shop”

What happens to “donors” afterwards

but these animals.

At first, experts thought that almost all horseshoe crabs survived this forced donation. Another ability of these sea creatures is that they give exactly as much blood as they can give without harming their health.

However, according to recent estimates, up to 30% of individuals die as a result of this procedure.

Other studies have shown that after blood sampling, female crabs are less likely to mate.

Image copyright Getty Images

Image caption,

Scientists estimate the age of horseshoe crabs at 300-450 million years, which makes them one of the oldest species on Earth.

“Right now they are milking about half a million crabs,” lamented Dr. Barbara Brammer, who leads an environmental group in New Jersey, where most of the American horseshoe crabs are caught.

In an interview with the BBC she lamented that no does not know exactly how blood sampling affects the future life of crabs after they are released.0006

As a result, American horseshoe crabs are approaching the threshold beyond which they can be officially considered endangered.

At the same time, large pharmaceutical companies point to statistics, according to which the number of horseshoe crabs has remained at the same level over the past summer.

Is it possible to find an artificial substitute?

Research to create an artificial analogue of extract from horseshoe crab hemolymph has been going on for a long time, but the real breakthrough came only in 2016.

Scientists have succeeded in creating a substitute that has been approved for use in Europe. Some American pharmaceutical companies have also begun to use it.

Image copyright, Getty Images

Image caption,

The blood of these “living fossils” is indeed blue due to its high copper content.

What’s the problem then?

And the fact is that in June of this year, the organization responsible for the safety of medicines in the United States (Food and Drug Administration, or FDA), said that it could not guarantee that the substitute works as reliably as like a natural product.

Therefore, all companies that sell their drugs in the US are required to use horseshoe crab blood for purity testing.

The same goes for any potential coronavirus vaccine: whoever invents it will be required to test it in the old tried and true way if they want to sell their product to millions of Americans.

Dr. Brammer wants to force the American authorities to reconsider their approach, especially since in other countries the artificial substitute is already widely used.