Pubic lice, as the name suggests, are parasites which infest the pubic area of the individual in addition to other parts of the individual’s body and bear a close resemblance to crabs due to their physical appearance. These parasitic creatures are most harmful when they are six weeks old and a microscopic examination reveals the presence of legs.
There are many ways in which the public lice can transmitted from one individual to another. The most common method of transmission is through sexual contact when they jump from the pubic hair of one person to that of the sexual partner although other methods of contraction are through linen like clothing, bedding, washcloths and towels.
Since the infestation of pubic lice on an individual cannot be detected through the manifestation of symptoms like other infections, the only way in which their presence is revealed is through a feeling of persistent itchiness. If not attended to immediately, the situation can aggravate when these parasites dig into the skin of the individual and start sucking the blood.
When the lice bite on the skin of the individual, he feels compelled to scratch the area persistently thus, making it raw in the process and hence more prone to traditional and secondary bacterial infections. Constant scratching also causes transmission of lice to other individuals as these creatures jump on to clothing, bedding and other material which are in close proximity.
The pubic lice are normally dormant during the initial stages of their life-cycle and this dormancy lasts as long as the first four weeks. It is only subsequent to this inactive phase that the lice become active and commence their action on the infested host thereby making their presence felt.
Parents of young children should be particularly alert with regards to pubic lice as they are capable of infecting young children as well. This condition namely blepharitis, causes the lice to reside on the eyelashes of the child and therefore such areas should be regularly scanned by parents with the help of a high powered magnifying glass.
Public lice, or crabs, have the ability to live from one to two days apart from feeding on human body. However, many people hold misconception that they can be transmitted when sitting on a toilet seat or on furniture. This is not true because lice that normally fall from a person’s body usually become injured and dye. Also, public lice cannot jump from one person to another like a flea can. Furthermore, they cannot be contracted from animals.
Although the majority of incidents where a person contracts public lice, or crabs, is through sexual contact with an infected person, there are other ways that these nasty little parasites can infect an individual. Any contact with bedding or clothing used by an infected person can lead to a transfer to the individual touching this material.
Although it is a great and wise practice to employ some form of protection during sexual contact, especially for people who are active with more than one partner, use of condoms and other protections will not reduce the risk of becoming infected with public lice because these items do not cover an individual’s pubic area.
Harry Cross authors many articles regarding pubic lice and other common diseases. Many people do not know the facts about STD’s, and their embarrassment and lack of knowledge often to improper pubic lice treatment and action.
Tags: crabs, Health, pubic lice, pubic lice treatment, sex, sexually transmitted disease, std