One of the most frequently asked questions about pubic lice is “How do I know I have them?” I’ll outline the obvious symptoms to look out for, the main distinguishing features between crabs and other STDs, and recommend some of the best remedies to treat them.
What are public lice?
First of all, public lice have nothing to do with poor hygiene. Pubic lice are small parasitic insects that live on coarse body hair, such as pubic hair. They can be passed from one person to another through close body contact or sexual contact with someone who has pubic lice. They are yellowish gray in color and about 2 mm long. They have a crab-like appearance, which is why they are often referred to as crabs.
Symptoms of pubic lice
Some people don’t notice the signs of a pubic lice infestation and for others it’s pretty unbearable right away. For a mild case, symptoms can take up to a week to notice. The symptoms of pubic lice are the same for men and women, so here are the things to look out for.
* itching in affected areas
* drops of black powder from lice on your underwear
* brown eggs on pubic or other body hair
* irritation and inflammation in the affected area, sometimes caused by scratching
* Light blue spots (which disappear after a few days) or very small points of blood on the skin.
* Lice can sometimes be visibly seen moving in the hair (especially under a magnifying glass), but they tend to remain motionless in daylight.
The difference between crabs and other STDs
Pubic lice can often be confused or mistaken for scabies. Scabies is caused by small parasitic mites. They are smaller than the head of a pin and burrow into the skin and lay eggs. A rarer, more severe form of the condition occurs when there are many mites on the skin. This is called crusted scabies.
Vaginitis and syphilis are the only other STDs that have symptoms that include rashes and itching. But these two conditions also have other more serious symptoms like genital discharges, sores, and swollen lymph nodes. If you have these symptoms, see your doctor right away.
Treatments for public lice
In my opinion, there are only two types of pubic lice treatments on the market today.
1. Chemical based creams, lotions and shampoos etc.
2. Natural solutions.
Harsh treatment containing chemicals and insecticides such as lindane, permethrin, or benzene hexachloride will strip hair follicles of their natural oils and, in some people, can cause dry or burning skin. This obviously adds to the discomfort and aggravation.
Treating genital or pubic lice with natural remedies is a much healthier option. A good natural remedy will not only kill lice (more effectively) but will not aggravate sensitive skin. In fact, a remedy made up of certain essential oils will also soothe and heal any scars or rashes caused by constant, intense scratching.
Recommendations for the treatment of public lice.
So what are the best products to use? I have done extensive research to determine the best comprehensive solutions.
* The first ‘Licadex’ solution is an excellent product and comes in a bottle for a very reasonable price. The only drawback is that you have to wait for it to be sent to you, and that’s a time you don’t usually have. But if you are willing to wait and keep scratching, this product is highly recommended.
* The other product is a recipe or formula, ‘Natural Solution for Lice’ that you can prepare at home and apply instantly. The ingredients are available and the recipe is easy to follow. It contains natural oils in which lice parasites cannot exist, as well as oils that repair any deteriorating skin condition.
More information and access to these products are available on my website.
In summary, it is possible to have a gentle, natural and effective solution for the treatment of pubic lice. But first you must know what you are dealing with. If you are unsure, always seek qualified medical advice. Finally choose the best solution for you!