Pubic lice

Description

Pub lice are small parasitic insects that exist in human genital hair. And the worming itself is referred to as pubic pediculosis.

What causes parasitosis?

• The source is most often intimate contact with a parasitic person. This is why pubic lice are most often transmitted through sex.
• Because transmission occurs through intimate contact, actual intercourse is not necessary for the parasite to spread.
• Also insects can also cause infection through contact with infected personal items such as towels, sheets or clothes.
• Lice are transmitted through any intimate contact. They don’t jump or fly, so actual contact is required for worming to occur. A person who is not infested can “pick up” pubic lice by sharing bedding and towels.
• Cats, dogs and other pets cannot spread human lice. Pets cannot infest these insects or spread them to other people.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptoms of worm infestation are itching and burning in the genital area. Itching may occur in other areas of the skin such as the armpits and chest due to the spread of the parasites. In most people, the itch is worse at night. Intense or prolonged scratching can cause the skin to become damaged, and the damaged areas can become infected with bacteria.

When should we seek medical help?

Pubic head lice can be treated with some medications without the need for medical attention, but in some cases you may need to seek the services of a medical professional.

• Seek medical attention if you think you may have developed a secondary infection.

One of the main risks with this parasitosis is that the parasites constantly scratch, and this can cause a secondary bacterial infection. When scratching is intense and prolonged, the surface of the skin can be damaged.

If you notice a large amount of redness or pus where you scratch, you may have a skin infection. Other signs of a secondary genital pubic infection include fever, burning when you urinate, or genital discharge.

Treatment of pubic lice

The drug that is used to kill lice is permethrin, which is sold without a prescription. When using it, you must follow its instructions for use exactly.

When used:

• Avoid applying it to the mucous membranes that are located on the tip of the penis and at the opening of the vagina.
• Repeat the application of the preparation after about 7-10 days to kill the nits , which may have hatched.

Another preparation that is used is lindane, but it contains chlorine and is applied only if there is no permethrin available or it has not proven to be effective. Lindan requires a prescription.

• Apply the product and leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Lindane should be kept away from children. It can also be toxic to the brain and nervous system and should only be prescribed if other therapies have failed.

Malation in lotion form and ivermectin, also prescription preparations, have proven effective in killing pubic lice. For itching, you can use antihistamines.

How to protect yourself from pubic lice infestation?
• Avoid skin-to-skin contact with people you suspect are infested. You should also avoid contact with clothing, underwear and towels that may be infested. disinfected to avoid reinfestation or spreading the parasites to another family member.