What causes crabs?
crabs is a STD caused by a small, wingless insect called Phthirus pubis.
It looks like a crab and so the STD is also called "crabs". This
is because the insect has claws like a crab which it uses to hold on to the
pubic hair.
The insect likes to feed on the blood.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How do you get it?
The insect can be passed on by sexual contact.
It can also be passed on by things such as towels, washcloths, clothes, pillows,
bed sheets etc. with which the infected person comes in contact with.
Go Back to List of Questions
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Who gets it?
Anyone can get it because it can be picked up from material things such as
clothes, towels etc.
But, sexual contact is the most common way to get it so all those who are
sexually active are at a much higher risk.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What happens to me if I get this?
The lice make burrows in the skin.
They cause redness and itching in the area they burrow.
On most part, the lice just stick around in the hair in different places,
around anus, pubic hair and even in the hair of the eyelids.
Go Back to List of Questions
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How long does it last?
It can last for very long until you treat it.
But, some people may not feel anything and can't tell if they have the infection.
This can cause delay in getting treatment.
The lice can be seen on the hair so if you have itching or you happen to notice
the lice, get treatment.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How can I prevent it?
Prevent getting it in the first place.
Do not have sex with the person if you notice the lice on his/her hair (well,
if you were noticing very carefully)
Since the lice are on the skin and in the pubic hair, spread can occur whether
or not you are wearing a condom or having another kind of protected sex.
If you know of someone who has this infection in the home, make sure you do
not share any clothes, towels, washcloths or even sleep on the same bed sheets
or pillows.
ALL clothes that the infected person comes in contact with should be washed
in water hotter than 140 deg Fahrenheit (60 deg Centigrade) before using.
Go Back to List of Questions
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How does the doctor test for this?
The lice can be seen very easily by the naked eye if you look in the right
places.
This is all a doctor may need to do to find out if you have this.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How is it treated?
Not only should you wash all clothes in water hotter than 140 deg F or 60
deg C, but there is a lotion that the doctor can suggest to you which can
kill the lice and the eggs they lay.
The lotion is an insecticide containing malathion or carbaryl, which is applied
to the area where the lice is to kill them.
Your sexual partner should also be treated to make sure you don't get the
infection again.
Go Back to List of Questions
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What happens to me in the long run?
The infection if left UNTREATED will continue to spread to every family member
in the home and will cause the regular redness of the skin and itching where
it infects. This can be very discomforting.
With treatment, you can get rid of the infection. To make sure you don't get
it again, all clothes should be washed as mentioned under treatment and you
sexual partner should also be treated.
