Crabs

Crabs, also known as pubic lice or Pthirus pubis, are tiny parasitic insects that infest the coarse hair of the pubic region, causing itching and discomfort. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different aspects of crabs, including types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and medications, all explained in simple, easy-to-understand language to enhance readability and accessibility.

Types of Crabs:

Crabs, or pubic lice, belong to the Pediculidae family of lice. There are two primary types:

1. Pthirus pubis (Crab Louse):
   • These are the most common type of pubic lice.
   • They attach their eggs (nits) to the base of pubic hairs.
   • Crab lice have crab-like claws, which help them cling to hair shafts.
2. Pthirus gorillae (Gorilla Louse):
   • This type primarily infests gorillas, not humans.
   • It is not commonly found in human populations.

Causes of Crabs:

Crabs are typically spread through close personal contact with an infected person. Here are 20 common causes of crab infestations:

1. Sexual contact with an infected person.
2. Sharing of contaminated clothing, towels, or bedding.
3. Infected toilet seats.
4. Close contact during sporting activities.
5. Use of contaminated combs or brushes.
6. Contact with infested upholstered furniture.
7. Sharing of swimsuits in pools or hot tubs.
8. Infestation from an infected partner.
9. Contact with infested pets.
10. Crowded living conditions.
11. Sharing personal items like hats and scarves.
12. Trying on clothes without washing them first.
13. Infected bedding in hotels or hostels.
14. Direct skin-to-skin contact.
15. Contact with infested car seats or public transportation seats.
16. Sleeping in infested bedding.
17. Poor personal hygiene.
18. Infestation in crowded dormitories.
19. Close contact during dance or wrestling.
20. Sharing of personal grooming items.

Symptoms of Crabs:

Crab infestations can cause several uncomfortable symptoms. Here are 20 common signs and symptoms:

1. Intense itching in the pubic area.
2. Red or blue spots at the site of bites.
3. Tiny gray-white or yellow oval eggs (nits) attached to hair shafts.
4. Irritability and difficulty sleeping due to itching.
5. Visible crawling lice in pubic hair.
6. Sores and inflammation caused by scratching.
7. Mild fever or fatigue.
8. Secondary bacterial infections from scratching.
9. Dark or bluish spots on the skin.
10. Swollen lymph nodes.
11. Feeling lice movement in the pubic region.
12. Rash or redness in the genital area.
13. Itchy or irritated skin in other body hair areas.
14. Allergic reactions to lice bites.
15. Inflamed and swollen genitals.
16. Increased itching at night.
17. Pubic hair loss in severe cases.
18. Small red or blue lesions on the torso or thighs.
19. Visible lice or nits in underwear.
20. Yellow or greenish discharge in women.

Diagnostic Tests:

To confirm a crab infestation, healthcare providers may perform various diagnostic tests. Here are 20 common tests and procedures used for diagnosis:

1. Visual Inspection: The healthcare provider visually examines the pubic area and surrounding regions for lice, nits, or skin irritation.
2. Magnifying Glass: Using a magnifying glass or microscope, healthcare professionals can closely inspect lice and nits.
3. Wet Combing: A fine-toothed comb is used to comb through the pubic hair, collecting lice and nits.
4. Skin Scraping: A skin sample may be collected and examined for evidence of crab infestation.
5. Wood’s Lamp Examination: A special lamp may be used to identify the fluorescence of lice and nits.
6. Dermoscopy: A dermatoscope helps magnify and visualize lice and nits.
7. Adhesive Tape Test: Sticky tape is pressed against the skin to collect lice and nits.
8. Microscopic Examination: Lice and nits can be viewed under a microscope for precise identification.
9. PCR Testing: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests can detect the DNA of crabs.
10. Blood Tests: In rare cases, blood tests may be done to rule out other infections.
11. Digital Imaging: High-resolution images may be captured to aid in diagnosis and tracking treatment progress.
12. Urine Analysis: Urinalysis can help rule out urinary tract infections.
13. Skin Biopsy: A small piece of skin may be removed and examined under a microscope.
14. Culture Tests: Samples from the affected area may be cultured to grow and identify lice.
15. Allergy Testing: Skin tests can determine if you are allergic to crab bites.
16. pH Testing: Checking the pH level of the affected area can provide clues for diagnosis.
17. Saline Solution Test: A saline solution may be applied to the area to encourage lice movement.
18. Skin Swab: A swab may be taken from affected areas to check for lice or their eggs.
19. Fecal Examination: Fecal samples may contain evidence of crab infestation.
20. Medical History: A detailed history of symptoms and potential exposures is crucial for diagnosis.

Treatment Options:

Once diagnosed with crab infestation, treatment is essential to get rid of the parasites. Here are 30 common treatment options:

1. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications:
   • Topical creams or lotions containing permethrin or pyrethrin are readily available at pharmacies.
   • Follow the product’s instructions carefully.
2. Prescription Medications:
   • If OTC treatments fail, prescription-strength creams, such as malathion or ivermectin, may be prescribed by a healthcare provider.
   • Always use prescription medications as directed.
3. Manual Removal:
   • Fine-toothed combs can be used to manually remove lice and nits from pubic hair.
   • Ensure thorough combing and disposal of collected lice.
4. Shaving:
   • In severe cases, shaving the pubic hair may be recommended to eliminate lice and nits.
   • Take precautions to avoid skin irritation.
5. Washing and Cleaning:
   • Wash all infested clothing, bedding, and personal items in hot water and dry them on high heat to kill lice and nits.
   • Vacuum your living space to remove any stray lice or nits.
6. Avoid Close Contact:
   • Refrain from close contact with others until the infestation is treated and cleared.
   • Inform sexual partners to seek treatment if necessary.
7. Follow-Up Treatment:
   • Ensure that you follow up with additional treatments as prescribed by your healthcare provider to eliminate any remaining lice or nits.
8. Personal Hygiene:
   • Maintain good personal hygiene to prevent future infestations.
   • Avoid sharing personal items.

1. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications: You can often treat crabs pubis with over-the-counter medications that are specifically designed to kill the lice. These treatments usually contain ingredients like permethrin or pyrethrin. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully.
2. Prescription Medications: If the OTC treatments don’t work or if the infestation is severe, a healthcare provider may prescribe stronger medications. These can include malathion or ivermectin, which are more potent at killing the lice.
3. Wash and Dry: It’s essential to wash all your bedding, clothing, and personal items that may have come into contact with the lice in hot water. After washing, dry them on the hottest setting possible to ensure that any remaining lice or nits are killed.
4. Avoid Close Contact: During and after treatment, it’s important to avoid close physical contact with others to prevent spreading the infestation.
5. Retreatment: Following treatment, it’s crucial to follow up with a healthcare provider to ensure that the infestation has been completely eradicated. If necessary, they may recommend a second round of treatment.

Medications for Crabs Pubis:

1. Permethrin (Nix): Permethrin is a common over-the-counter medication used to treat crabs pubis. It’s available in lotion form and effectively kills the lice.
2. Pyrethrin (Rid): Pyrethrin is another over-the-counter option that can be used to treat pubic lice. It works by paralyzing and killing the lice.
3. Malathion (Ovide): If over-the-counter treatments are unsuccessful, a healthcare provider may prescribe malathion. This prescription medication is applied to the affected area and is highly effective against pubic lice.
4. Ivermectin (Stromectol): Ivermectin is another prescription medication that may be recommended by a healthcare provider if other treatments fail. It is usually taken orally or applied topically, depending on the specific product.

Conclusion:

Crabs pubis, or pubic lice, can be an uncomfortable and bothersome condition, but it is treatable. It’s essential to recognize the symptoms, seek proper diagnosis and treatment, and take steps to prevent reinfection. With the right approach, you can successfully eliminate pubic lice and alleviate the associated discomfort. If you suspect you have crabs pubis, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare provider for guidance and treatment options.

 

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, previous medical  history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

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