Characteristic

Pubic lice (Phthirus pubis) aka genital lice are tiny parasitic insects that live on human coarse hair, including pubic hair. Although these lice are often found in the pubic area, they can also be found on armpit and leg hair, chest, stomach and back hair, and facial hair (such as beards, mustaches, eyelashes, and eyebrows). Unlike common lice, genital lice do not live on the skin of the hair. It is spread by close physical contact, often through sexual contact.

What are the characteristics or signs that I have genital lice?

Main characteristics

The main symptom of genital lice is severe itching. This often gets worse at night when the lice are more active and feed on human blood. The itching is not caused by the bite, but by an allergic reaction or skin hypersensitivity to the flea saliva on the skin before the bite. Itching is limited to the affected area, generally the groin, but can also spread to the abdomen, thighs, and legs. Someone who has pubic lice on other parts of the body also complains of itching.

Marks of scratching and inflammation

Because scratching the affected area, you will experience irritation and inflammation, as well as redness. It might just be a scratch mark. The skin that comes off from scratching can also be damaged and the skin may already have a secondary bacterial infection of the skin due to the lack of protection of the skin in that area. This usually fades away within one day to two days. Very small drops or spots of blood can be seen over the affected skin as well as on the underwear.

Can we see pubic lice?

This tick is about 1-2 mm in size and has a yellowish, gray, or brown color. Fleas are difficult to see with the naked eye because they stop moving when there is light. The nits are tightly attached to the base of the affected hair. The eggs will usually hatch within 6-10 days. An empty, grayish-white egg can be seen at the base of the hair on the affected area. Sometimes it may look like dandruff, but it's different in that it can't be cleaned off easily.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any of the above characteristics, you should visit your doctor. Or, you can go to a sexual health clinic, or what is commonly known as a genitourinary medicine clinic (GUM). This is usually found in a hospital or puskesmas. Look for these services in your area. Pubic lice are usually easy to diagnose by examining the affected area. The doctor or nurse can use a magnifying glass to look for signs of lice.

Get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

You should be tested for other sexually transmitted infections if you have pubic lice through sexual contact. Head lice do not transmit HIV or other venereal diseases, however check-up usually done as a precaution. Any sexual partners you have had in the past three months should also be examined and treated.

Why do I get genital lice?

Pubic lice are not associated with poor personal hygiene. They are usually spread through close physical contact with infected people. Lice crawl from hair to hair, but cannot fly or jump. They need human blood to survive, so lice only leave the body to move from one person to another.

The most common way these lice spread is through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Using condoms and other contraceptives will not protect you from genital lice. Other types of close body contact, such as hugging and kissing, can also spread fleas. It is possible, but very rare, to spread lice through towels, clothing or blankets.