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Pubic Lice: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Self Care
What Are Pubic Lice?
Pubic lice are small parasitic insects that live on human hair, most commonly in the pubic area. They are not a disease but an infestation.
Pubic lice are typically transmitted through sexual contact. Still, they can also be contracted through close physical contact or by sharing personal items such as clothing or bedding. The lice are pretty visible to the naked eye and appear as small, reddish-brown insects. They lay eggs, called nits, which are attached to the hair shafts.
How Common Are Pubic Lice?
Pubic lice infestations are relatively uncommon, but they still occur. It is important to seek treatment if you suspect you have an infestation, as pubic lice can cause itching and irritation. Over-the-counter and prescription medications are available to treat pubic lice.
Are Pubic Lice Different From Head Lice?
They are transmitted usually through sexual contact, but head lice get transmitted through close encounters of physical contact.
What Are the Symptoms of Pubic Lice?
One of the most common early signs of pubic lice is itching in the affected area, usually the pubic hair. This itching can be intense and is caused by an allergic reaction to the lice’s saliva, called pubic lice rash. Other symptoms of pubic lice may include:
- Small, red bumps or welts on the skin can become irritated and swollen.
- Visible lice or nits (lice eggs) on the hair shafts in the affected area.
- Mild fever or fatigue, as the body’s immune system, responds to the infestation.
- Blue spots or sores on the skin are caused by scratching the itchy areas.
- Irritation or inflammation of the affected area.
It’s important to note that symptoms of pubic lice may not appear immediately after infection, and some people may not have any symptoms. It’s always best to consult a doctor if you suspect you have pubic lice.
Causes of Pubic Lice
Pubic lice are typically caused by the transfer of the lice from one person to another through close physical contact, most commonly sexual contact. This can include vaginal, anal, or oral sex or a close connection between the genitals.
The lice can also be contracted by sharing personal items such as clothing, bedding, or towels that have come into close contact with an infected person.
Pubic lice are not a sign of poor personal hygiene; they can affect anyone, regardless of their grooming habits. They are not a reflection of a person’s sexual behavior or promiscuity.
It’s also worth noting that pubic lice have been around for thousands of years and are not new; new ways of living do not cause this infestation.
Treatment Options for Pubic lice
Treatment for pubic lice remedy typically involves using over-the-counter or prescription pubic lice medication. These medications come from lotions, creams, or shampoos applied to the affected area as pubic lice cure. These medications usually contain pyrethrins or permethrin, which kill the lice by acting as a pubic lice shampoo.
Medical treatment:
- Over-the-counter lotions or shampoos that contain pyrethrins or permethrin.
- Prescription creams, lotions, or shampoos that contain stronger concentrations of pyrethrins or permethrin or other medications such as malathion or ivermectin.
Home Care Treatment:
- Wash all clothing, bedding, and towels that may have come into contact with the lice in hot water and dry them on the hot cycle of a dryer.
- Vacuum the upholstery, carpets, and car interiors to remove any remaining nits.
- Wash all combs, brushes, and other personal grooming items that could have come into contact with the lice in hot water.
- Avoid close physical contact with others until treatment is completed and all lice and nits are gone.
- It’s important to follow the instructions on the medication package, and to complete the entire treatment process, even if the symptoms disappear before the end of the treatment. In some cases, a second treatment may be necessary.
How Can Pubic Lice Be Prevented?
For public lice prevention, it’s important to avoid close physical contact with individuals who have an infestation. Additionally, the following steps may help to reduce the risk of contracting pubic lice:
- Use condoms during sexual activity to reduce the risk of transmitting pubic lice.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as clothing, bedding, or towels that may have come into contact with an infected person.
- Practice good hygiene, including washing the affected area regularly and keeping the pubic area trimmed or shaved.
- Be aware of any itching or other symptoms in the pubic area, and seek treatment if necessary.
- Educate yourself about the symptoms and signs of pubic lice so you can identify them early if you get it.
It’s important to remember that pubic lice are not a sign of poor personal hygiene and can affect anyone regardless of their grooming habits. Therefore, personal grooming habits alone cannot be the answer to “how to prevent pubic lice?”.
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Why Ongo Care?
Through their Ongo Care telemedicine platform, telehealth solutions provide individuals with virtual healthcare options, such as telehealth appointments, virtual consultations, and online urgent care. The ease of accessing these services online allows for greater flexibility and prompt care. As a telemedicine provider, Ongo Care offers a practical and efficient alternative to traditional in-person visits.
At Ongo Care, we understand that pubic lice can be a sensitive and uncomfortable issue for many people. That’s why we offer personalized care and treatment options to help you get rid of this pesky problem.
Our team of healthcare professionals is experienced in dealing with pubic lice and can provide you with personalized advice and treatment options that suit your specific needs. We prioritize your comfort and privacy throughout the process, so you can feel at ease while seeking the care you need.
When you come to us for pubic lice treatment, we’ll begin by assessing your individual case and providing you with a tailored treatment plan. This may include over-the-counter medications, prescription creams or lotions, or other specialized treatments depending on the severity of your infestation.
We also understand that pubic lice can be an embarrassing issue to discuss, which is why we provide a confidential and non-judgmental environment for our patients. We’re here to support you and help you get back to feeling like yourself again.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of pubic lice or have recently been diagnosed with an infestation, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for personalized care and treatment. Our team is here to help you get rid of pubic lice and get back to living your life with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to see a doctor for pubic lice?
Yes, it’s important to see a doctor if you suspect you have pubic lice. A doctor can diagnose the infestation and recommend the appropriate treatment. They can also rule out other potential causes of itching or irritation in the pubic area, such as a yeast or bacterial infection.
Even though over-the-counter medications are available to treat pubic lice, it’s important to consult with a doctor, especially if you’re pregnant or have an underlying medical condition, as they may provide you with a different treatment that is safe for you.
A doctor can also advise you on how to deter the lice from spreading to other people and how to clean and disinfect your home and personal items that may have come in contact with the lice. They will also advise you when it is safe to resume sexual activity and close physical contact with others after treatment.
What happens if I don't get rid of pubic lice?
If left untreated, pubic lice can continue to cause itching and irritation in the affected area. This can lead to secondary skin infections caused by scratching the itchy areas. The lice can also spread to other body parts, such as the underarm, eyebrow hair, or other people, through close physical contact or sharing personal items.
Additionally, pubic lice infestation can cause emotional distress or embarrassment. If left untreated, the infestation can last for weeks or even months, making it harder to eliminate them.
If the infestation is not treated, the lice will continue to lay eggs (nits) which will hatch and continue the infestation. So, seeking treatment as soon as possible is important if you suspect you have pubic lice.
How to get a prescription for Pubic lice?
You can get the necessary prescription once a doctor from the Ongo Care team analyzes your condition and a verdict on the correct form of medication is decided upon.