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SafeSexGuide
CRABS
CRABS
Also known as: Pediculosis Pubis

How You Get It (Exposure):

Crabs are probably the easiest STD to catch. Usually they pass from one partner's pubic region to another's during close physical contact. Clearly a condom won't protect you.

Rarely, infestation can be spread through contact with an infected person's bed linens, towels, or clothes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Warning Signs (Symptoms):

Symptoms include intense itching, beginning within one week of infestation (if you've had them before itching begins almost immediately). If you examine your pubic hair you might notice dark red specks on your skin that are pieces of louse poop left behind by the bug; usually, you won't see the lice. It is far easier to spot the louse eggs attached to your hair follicles. As the hair grows, the egg moves farther from your skin. It can look like a skin flake or a kink in your hair.

Getting Checked Out (Diagnosis) / Treatment:

You can easily treat crabs in the privacy of your own home. Kwell, Nix and Rid are some of the more common preparations available over the counter. The preparations are available in lotion or shampoo form. While most doctors recommend lotions, patients usually prefer shampoos. It's important that you follow each product's directions. Complete the treatment by using a fine "nit" comb to remove any of the remaining dead eggs. These medications are strong, but if any eggs remain, a second treatment is necessary one week later.

Don't think you still have lice because the itch didn't immediately go away; it takes several days for the itch to disappear. Don't forget to wash all linens and clothing in boiling water and run them through the dryer on a very high heat to kill any lice that jumped ship and are waiting for the next safe haven. If you have a partner, it is best to have him/her treated, even if he or she isn't itching. Chances are he/she caught this highly contagious STD from you and he/she will only give it right back the next time you climb into bed together.

If Left Untreated:

Although crabs is a relatively minor STD and is often little more than a nuisance, it often indicates that you are infected with another and potentially more serious STD. When you have one STD be sure to ask your doctor to check you for others.

Prevention:

Unfortunately, it may be impossible to protect yourself from crabs. You won't know a partner has them unless you search his/her pubic hair with a magnifying glass and a strong light.

Prevalence:

Extremely prevalent -- especially in gyms, saunas and bathhouses.


by Stephen E. Goldstone, M.D., F.A.C.S.


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