De-Pointer Medicals Diagnostic Centre

Pediculosis (P***c Lice Infection); A Common STD

Pediculosis p***s is a sexually transmitted infection, caused by ectoparasites called crabs (p***c lice). Constant itching that exacerbates at night is one of the reported pediculosis p***s symptoms. This ectoparasitic infection is treated by
using medicated shampoos and creams which are usually recommended by physicians.

Pediculosis is the medical term for lice infestation, which may occur in different
parts of the body. Lice are a group of wingless, obligate ectoparasites, classified under the taxonomic order Phthiraptera. While the head is the most common site of lice attack, specific types of lice called crabs (p***c lice) infest the p***c region.
This condition is called pediculosis p***s or phthiriasis p***s. The crabs are classified as insects that feed exclusively on blood and complete their life cycle in human hair. In addition to the head and p***c lice, body louse that attack several parts of the body is also identified.

How to Identify Pediculosis P***s?
Pediculosis can affect all sexually active people, the rate of occurrence is highest
amongst teenagers. Both males and females are equally susceptible to infection by these skin parasites. The worst part with pediculosis p***s is, that crabs are transmittable from one infected person to another during sexual activity and via direct skin-to-skin contact. Sharing towels, clothes, bedding, and other personal items with an infected person is a common mode of spreading crabs.
Based on the cause of the disease, crabs infection or pediculosis p***s is classified as a sexually transmitted disease (STD). After infection, symptoms of pediculosis p***s may right away or some people have symptoms several days (up to 4 weeks) after infection takes place. Regarding the identification of pediculosis p***s signs and symptoms, an individual infected with p***c lice may experience the following.

Intense itching or pruritus in the ge***al and perianal areas is a typical sign of crabs infection. It usually aggravates during sleep and irritation is more in regions where the p***c hair is present.
As with other ectoparasites, they inject saliva while biting and feeding on blood. Thus, itchiness and burning sensation in the p***c-hair region is felt due to the body’s reactions to crab saliva.

Noticeable wheals, excoriation, and papules are present on the bite sites. Also, the infected areas usually have open sores. Continuous scratching of the bite sites often leads to the development of other infections.
A symptom typical of a p***c lice bite is the presence of discoloured sores (maculae ceruleae), which are bluish-grey or blue. In severe cases, crab infestation gives off a foul smell in a specific area.

To confirm pediculosis p***s, look for the presence of flat, light-brown adult lice and eggs at the roots of p***c hair. Both adults and eggs (nits) are visible to naked eyes. Nits laid by the female p***c louse hatch within 6 – 8 days. Those who have multiple sexual partners are more prone to this parasitic infection than others.

So, are there any pediculosis p***s complications?
With crabs infection, there is no severe medical complication as such. The only concern is constant scratching over the infected areas, leaving open skin sores and increasing risks for secondary infections. This can be minimized by earl early detection treating lice infections in the early stages. On the better side, STD crabs infection responds well to treatment and personal care.

How to Treat Pediculosis P***s?
People having symptoms of crabs infection should avoid close contact with others
(especially sexual partners) until the condition is diagnosed and treated promptly.
For diagnosis, suspected pediculosis p***s symptoms are examined carefully.
Once confirmed, the doctor may recommend topical formulations containing permethrin for both partners. This topical cream should be applied at night and rinsed the next morning. In addition, shampoos are available with the same chemical ingredients. To fetch prompt results, always keep the ge***al area clean, and follow the instructions for using creams and shampoos religiously.

For p***c lice treatment, the use of medicated creams or shampoos should be continued for 7 – 14 days. This is to make sure that the recently hatched lice are exterminated too. Besides this, adopting good personal hygiene tips is necessary to address this parasitic infection. Bedding, linens, and undergarments should be washed with hot water. If possible, dry them properly in the sun to kill lice. And
for preventing pediculosis p***s, avoid sharing clothing with an infected person and also, don’t try on the swimsuits of others. Simple tips like these will surely help in preventing the transmission of p***c lice.

Stay lice-free!

©️ Adeleke Olusegun Olaluwa.