How to identify lice on the pubic area? - briefly
Look for tiny, grayish insects clinging to pubic hairs, often with attached white nits positioned within a millimeter of the scalp. Intense itching, redness, and a “crawling” sensation typically accompany the infestation.
How to identify lice on the pubic area? - in detail
Pubic lice, scientifically known as Pthirus pubis, are small, crab‑shaped ectoparasites that inhabit the coarse hair of the genital region. Adult insects measure 1–2 mm in length, have a flattened body, and display a reddish‑brown hue. Their legs are adapted for grasping hair shafts, giving them a characteristic “crab‑like” appearance when viewed under magnification.
Key visual indicators include:
- Live insects clinging to hair shafts, often visible as tiny, dark specks moving slowly across the skin.
- Nits (eggs) attached to the base of hair strands; nits appear as oval, white‑to‑light‑brown capsules firmly cemented to the hair, non‑removable by gentle pulling.
- Irregularly shaped, reddish papules or small bumps caused by bites; these may be accompanied by a localized rash.
- Persistent itching, especially after nightfall, resulting from allergic reactions to saliva injected during feeding.
Differentiation from other conditions:
- Scabies mites are smaller (0.3–0.5 mm), burrow into skin rather than attaching to hair, and produce linear burrows.
- Fungal infections present with scaling and discoloration, lacking the mobile insects and cemented eggs.
- Dermatitis manifests as inflammation without visible parasites or nits.
Recommended examination procedure:
- Ensure the area is clean and dry; remove excess moisture that can obscure visibility.
- Use a bright, focused light source or a magnifying lamp to enhance detail.
- Employ a fine‑toothed comb or a specialized lice detection comb; run it through the hair from root to tip, inspecting the comb for attached insects or nits after each pass.
- Examine each hair shaft closely; nits are firmly attached at an angle of 45° to the shaft, while live lice may be observed moving or clinging to the hair.
- Document findings with photographs if needed for medical consultation.
When live lice or nits are detected, immediate treatment with approved topical insecticides (e.g., permethrin 1 % lotion) is advised, followed by thorough washing of clothing, bedding, and towels at temperatures above 50 °C to eradicate residual eggs. Re‑inspection after 7–10 days confirms eradication and prevents reinfestation.