What are crabs?
Crabs, also known as pubic lice, are one of three types of lice (wingless insects) that survive by attaching themselves to a human host and feeding on the host's blood. Crabs are not as mobile as head and body lice. The claws of crab lice are best suited for attaching to coarse body hair such a pubic hair. They are dependent on human blood, but can live up to 24 hours off their host.
What are the signs and symptoms of crabs?
Crabs feed by inserting their mouthpieces into small blood vessels in the skin and sucking blood. The main symptom is itching which is caused by allergic reaction to the bites; itching usually begins about five days after infestation. The infected person then begins scratching which causes redness, irritation, and inflammation of the skin. Crabs and their eggs are usually visible to the eye upon close inspection.
How are crabs transmitted?
Sexual transmission is the primary means of transmission, but non-sexual transmission also occurs. Crabs are transmitted through close physical contact, such as skin-to-skin or hair-to-hair contact. Crabs are easily transmitted nonsexually through the sharing of infested bedding or intimate clothing. Contracting crabs from infested toilet seats, couches or a chair is possible but extremely rare.
How are crabs diagnosed?
Visual examination in the clinic is necessary to confirm the presence of pubic lice. Schedule a visit with the Student Health Center clinic as soon as possible after infection. The longer you wait, the more chances you have of inadvertently spreading this disease to others, even people with whom you do not share sexual contact.
How are pubic lice treated?
A number of over-the-counter topical mediations are available. Both lice and the eggs must be killed. Additional treatment may be necessary if new eggs appear. All clothing and bed linen must be washed (135°F). Drying these items in a dryer on high heat for 15-20 minutes can kill any remaining lice. One should also vacuum their mattress and bed.
Itching may persist even after successful treatment because skin irritation or allergic reactions. Anti-itching medications or hydrocortisone creams may relieve itching.
Source: Sexually Transmitted Diseases, (Bethesda, MD: Office of Communications, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, National Institutes of Health, US Dept. of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, January 1992).