Who are pubic lice? - briefly
Pubic lice, known scientifically as Pthirus pubis, are tiny, wingless parasites that inhabit coarse body hair—most often in the genital area—and feed on human blood. Transmission occurs via sexual or close personal contact, producing itching and irritation.
Who are pubic lice? - in detail
Pubic lice, scientifically known as Pthirus pubis, are small, wingless insects that inhabit the coarse hair of the human genital region, as well as pubic‑type hair on the abdomen, thighs, chest, armpits, beard, and occasionally eyelashes. Adult specimens measure 1–2 mm, possess a broad, crab‑like body, and cling to hair shafts with strong claws adapted for grasping.
The organism’s life cycle comprises three stages: egg (nit), nymph, and adult. Females embed eggs at the base of hair shafts; each egg hatches in 6–10 days, releasing a nymph that matures through three molts over approximately 2–3 weeks before attaining reproductive capacity. An adult female can lay 8–10 eggs per day, yielding a population that expands rapidly under favorable conditions.
Transmission occurs primarily through direct, prolonged skin‑to‑skin contact, most commonly during sexual activity. Secondary routes include sharing contaminated clothing, towels, or bedding, although these are less efficient because lice cannot survive long off a host. The insects feed on superficial blood by piercing the skin with their mouthparts, causing irritation.
Clinical manifestations include intense itching localized to infested areas, redness, and small bluish‑gray macules (maculae ceruleae) resulting from minor hemorrhages. In some cases, secondary bacterial infection develops from scratching. Diagnosis is made by visual inspection of live lice or their translucent, oval eggs attached near the hair base; magnification may aid detection.
Effective management relies on topical pediculicides such as 1 % permethrin cream, 0.5 % malathion lotion, or 0.05 % ivermectin cream, applied according to manufacturer instructions and repeated after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched nits. Manual removal of eggs with a fine‑toothed comb can supplement chemical treatment. All sexual partners within the previous month should receive simultaneous therapy, and personal items (clothing, bedding) must be washed in hot water or sealed in airtight bags for two weeks to eradicate residual organisms.
Prevention emphasizes avoidance of intimate contact with infected individuals, use of barrier methods during sexual activity, and maintaining personal hygiene. Public health data indicate higher prevalence among adolescents and young adults, with occasional outbreaks in crowded living conditions. Awareness of transmission pathways and prompt treatment reduce the risk of recurrence and limit spread within communities.