How to get infected with pubic lice? - briefly
Pubic lice spread through direct skin-to-skin contact, most commonly during sexual activity, and can also be transmitted via contaminated bedding, towels, or clothing. The insects attach to coarse hair and move to a new host when the infested person’s garments or intimate surfaces are shared.
How to get infected with pubic lice? - in detail
Pubic lice, also known as Pthirus pubis, spread primarily through direct skin‑to‑skin contact. The insects cling to coarse hair, especially in the genital area, and move to a new host when the hair shafts of two individuals touch.
The most common pathways include:
- Sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, or oral) where pubic hair contacts the partner’s hair.
- Close, non‑sexual contact with infested individuals, such as sharing a bed or couch.
- Transmission via contaminated clothing, towels, or bedding that has not been laundered at high temperatures.
- Contact with infested animals is rare but possible if the animal carries the lice.
Factors that increase the likelihood of acquisition:
- Presence of dense, coarse hair in the pubic region.
- Frequent exchange of intimate garments or personal items without washing.
- Participation in group activities where close bodily contact occurs, such as certain sports or communal bathing.
- Immunocompromised conditions that may reduce skin defenses.
The life cycle of the parasite supports rapid spread. Adult females lay 1–3 eggs per day, attaching them to hair shafts near the skin. Eggs hatch in 5–10 days, and nymphs mature within two weeks. An infested person can become contagious after a single exposure, as nymphs are mobile and can crawl onto a new host within hours.
Preventive measures rely on minimizing direct contact with infested hair and ensuring that any shared fabrics are washed in water above 60 °C or treated with a suitable insecticide. Early detection through visual inspection of the affected area allows prompt treatment, reducing the window for transmission.