How can one catch pubic lice? - briefly
Pubic lice spread primarily through direct sexual contact, as the insects transfer from an infected partner’s hair to the recipient’s genital area. They may also be transmitted indirectly via shared clothing, towels, or bedding that have recently contacted an infested region.
How can one catch pubic lice? - in detail
Pubic lice (Pthirus pubis) spread primarily through direct skin‑to‑skin contact that includes the hair of the genital region. The most common route is sexual intercourse, where the insects move from one partner’s pubic hair to the other’s. Transmission can also occur without sexual activity when prolonged contact involves:
- Sharing bedding, towels, or clothing that have recent contact with an infested person.
- Using contaminated furniture, such as sofas or massage tables, where lice or their eggs (nits) may remain.
- Close, non‑sexual contact in crowded environments (e.g., dormitories, shelters) where individuals share personal items.
Lice survive only a short time off a human host, typically less than 48 hours, which limits the risk from brief or casual exposure. However, eggs can remain viable on fabrics for several days, making prolonged sharing a significant factor.
Risk increases with:
- Poor personal hygiene that allows lice to remain undetected.
- High‑density living conditions that facilitate frequent contact.
- Lack of regular laundering of linens and clothing at temperatures that kill insects (≥ 50 °C).
Prevention relies on avoiding the exchange of personal textiles, maintaining personal cleanliness, and limiting close physical contact with individuals known to be infested.