How to contract pubic lice? - briefly
Pubic lice are transmitted mainly through direct skin‑to‑skin contact, particularly during sexual activity, and can also spread via contaminated bedding, towels, or clothing. Rarely, they may be passed by sharing personal items that have touched an infested area.
How to contract pubic lice? - in detail
Pubic lice, also known as crabs, spread primarily through direct skin‑to‑skin contact. The most common route is sexual activity, where the insects move from the hair of one partner to the other during intercourse, oral sex, or other intimate contact. Because the parasites cling to coarse hair, any area with pubic, abdominal, or facial hair can serve as a transfer point.
Close, non‑sexual contact can also result in transmission. Sharing bedding, towels, or clothing that has recently touched an infested person allows lice to crawl onto the fabric and later onto a new host. The insects survive off a human body for up to 24–48 hours, providing a window for indirect spread. Crowded living conditions, such as dormitories or shelters, increase the likelihood of accidental contact with contaminated items.
Infestation can occur in body regions beyond the genital area. Chest hair, armpits, beard, mustache, and even eyelashes are vulnerable if they come into contact with an infested surface. Children may acquire lice through close play, shared clothing, or contact with a caregiver’s hair.
Key factors that raise the risk of acquisition include:
- Unprotected sexual encounters with multiple partners.
- Use of shared personal items without washing.
- Living in environments with high density and limited hygiene resources.
- Lack of awareness about the parasite’s ability to survive briefly on inanimate objects.
The incubation period lasts from a few days up to two weeks. During this time, newly hatched lice multiply, and the host may experience itching, redness, and visible nits attached to hair shafts. Early detection reduces the chance of further spread.