How common are crabs?Crabs (also called pubic lice) are a very common sexually transmitted infection.
Pubic lice infestation is found worldwide and occurs in all races, ethnic groups, and levels of society. What causes crabs?Also called pubic lice or crab lice, crabs are parasitic insects found primarily in the pubic or genital area of humans. Crabs are easy to pick up. The lice are small, crab-shaped insects that are the size of a pin-head when fully grown. They live on body hair and feed on blood (but they cannot pass on HIV)
The lice are found: * around your genital area on the pubic hair of your testicles (balls), anus (butt) and penis. * on course body hair such as underarm hair, hairy legs and chests * sometimes in eyebrows and hair on the face They aren't found in the hair on your head. The lice can live away from the body for about 24 hours, so they survive on clothes, bedding and towels. What are the symptoms of crabs?You could have crabs and not notice them. But two to three weeks after infection the lice usually cause itching, especially at night, and sometimes cause a rash.
You can often see fully-grown lice on the hair, but probably not if you've just been infected.  Image from CDC website |
How are crabs passed on?Crabs are passed on by:
* body contact during sex * using the towels, bedding or clothes of someone with crabs (this is not common, but it can happen) If someone has crabs, it doesn't necessarily mean that they got them by having sex with someone else.  How are crabs prevented?There's no way of stopping yourself getting crabs. But if you have them you can prevent them spreading by:
* making sure that people who've shared your bed, towels or clothes are also treated * washing your bedding, towels and clothes on a hot wash which kills the lice and their eggs * dry-cleaning any leather clothing How are crabs treated?A lice-killing lotion containing 1% permethrin or a mousse containing pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide can be used to treat pubic ("crab") lice. 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.
If the treatment doesn't work ask your local clinic or doctor for advice. Shaving off pubic hair will not get rid of crabs. No-one is immune to crabs. If you've had them before, you can get them again. |
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Tests: Find places where you can get free HIV/STD testing in Wake County.
Condoms: Find places where you can get free condoms in Wake County.
For general information about Wake County’s HIV/STD program and testing, please call 919-250-3950.
Do you have questions about HIV/STDs that you want answered? E-mail questions to: std.program@wakegov.com
To see all other resources in Wake County, North Carolina & the United States, CLICK HERE to return to our resources and links page.
Condoms: Find places where you can get free condoms in Wake County.
For general information about Wake County’s HIV/STD program and testing, please call 919-250-3950.
Do you have questions about HIV/STDs that you want answered? E-mail questions to: std.program@wakegov.com
To see all other resources in Wake County, North Carolina & the United States, CLICK HERE to return to our resources and links page.
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