What is it?
Are you remembering getting checked for head lice in elementary school? Well these lice are different. Pubic lice, or Crabs, are tiny parasitic insects that live in the pubic hair and survive by feeding on your blood You can catch them by physical contact with someone who has them or from bedding or clothes that an infected person used.
Return to Top

Symptoms & Effects
The main symptom of crabs is an intense itching. You might also notice small black spots or bloodstains on your underwear. Although tiny, you can see crabs without a microscope. You might also feel eggs, like little lumps, at the base of hairs.
Return to Top

Treatment
A lice-killing lotion containing 1% permethrin or a mousse containing pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide can be used to treat crabs. These products are available over-the-counter without a prescription at a local drug store or pharmacy. These medications are safe and effective when used exactly according to the instructions in the package or on the label. You can also get a prescription medication to kill the lice from your health care provider.
Return to Top

Protection
Tell your partner to get treatment also, and don't have sex until both of you are cured. You should also tell anyone you've had close contact with or exchanged clothes to look for signs of crabs (although the risk of spreading through clothing or sheets is low).

After treatment, use clean clothes and clean bedding. Crabs will die within 24 hours after leaving the human body, but the eggs can live for a week. Wash all clothing, bedding, etc. in a washing machine with HOT water, or dry clean if necessary. People with crabs should be checked for all other STDs too.
Return to Top

More...