How Pubic Lice Is Contracted

By Harry Cross

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.

For the most part, public lice are transmitted through sexual contact, jumping from the pubic hair of infested individual to the pubic hair of their sex partner. Also, public lice can be contracted in a number of different ways in addition to sexual contact including from infested clothing, bedding and such items as washcloths and towels.

Although pubic lice are a common problem, their presence on the body of the individual is not revealed through any particular set of symptoms. The most common indication is the constant sensation of itchiness experienced by the infected individual which may worsen when the lice start feeding on the human blood through the skin of the individual.

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.

Sometimes an infected person will not see symptoms for quite some time until eggs hatch in the mature lice become adults. This can typically take place after four weeks from the initial infestation.

Young children living at home were person has been infected by public lice are susceptible to what is known as blepharitis, a condition of your attention and infection of the eyelids. Therefore, it is extremely important that a child's eyelashes be examined for the presence of lice. To accomplish this, one must employ a high-powered magnifying glass to look for lice presence.

Unlike fleas, pubic lice cannot jump from one body to another and hence cannot be contracted from animals, toilet seats or sitting on furniture as commonly believed by people. In fact, although these parasites can survive without feeding on the host for two days, they generally get crushed and die if dusted off the body of the infested individual.

Pubic lice can be contracted in a number of ways other than sexual contact although this remains the primary source of transmission between the infected and the non infected individual. Use of apparel or linen like bed sheets and towels belonging to the infected individual by other individuals can lead to contraction of such crabs.

There is a common belief that the use of various types of sexual protection like condoms help to protect against the transmission of this menace but this is unfounded since many of the modes of protection do not cover the pubic area of the individual entirely. This is particularly true in case of people who have multiple partners due to which they have a higher chance of being infected and infecting others.

About the Author:

Harry Cross writes a lot of content on the subject of 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.