Pubic lice are also known as ‘crabs' and ‘genital crabs'.
Although pubic lice (crabs) are unpleasant, they are not dangerous.
You can get pubic lice through sexual contact, but also by sharing clothes, sleeping bags, or just lying close to someone who has them.
Pubic Lice are found in the pubic hairs of humans which is where the name 'pubic lice' came from.
They are tiny little insects that live and feed on human blood.
While pubic lice generally live in the pubic area of your body, such as around the penis and vagina, they can sometimes be found in other areas such as armpits or beards.
Pubic lice have three stages of life:
Nit: This is the egg stage of pubic lice.
Nymph: After the eggs of the pubic lice hatch they are called nymphs they look the same as adult crabs but are smaller in size.
Adult: About one week after hatching genital crabs reach maturity and become adults.
Treatment:
You can check yourself for pubic lice and also treat it yourself. The eggs and nits are however very small and difficult to see with the naked eye.
The pharmacy sells shampoos, lotions and creams to use against pubic lice.
If you are infected, it is wise not to have any sexual contact.
It is also wise not to share things like towels, pubic razors or anything else that might come in contact with the eggs or insects themselves and spread them.
u are also welcome to consult your doctor for advice.
Do you have any symptoms? Or do you think you might have been exposed to unsafe sex? It is important to have yourself tested as soon as possible. For assistance, you can go to: your general practitioner (GP, huisarts in Dutch), the GGD or the AIDS STI Help Line (0900 20420440 (10 ct/min); Monday 10:00-22:00. Tuesday-Friday 14:00-22:00. Mail: infolijn@soaaids.nl)
A body louse, head louse and pubic louse (each magnified to 20 times it's actual size)
