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Conditions

Phthirus Pubis

A tasty specimen of a pubic louse (Photo courtesy of CDC)

You can catch pubic lice through close body contact, such as during sex, because condoms – whilst offering effective protection from most STIs – cannot prevent infestations of lice (or ‘crabs’ as they’re otherwise known). Thankfully, the crabs we’re talking about aren’t sizeable crustaceans with nipping claws, but tiny grey-brown insects, about 2mm long, that live by sucking blood from the skin. You’ll find them living mainly in the places you’d expect, such as in the coarse hair of your pubes or around your anus, but they can also live on the abdomen and the back, in the armpits, on the head, and on eyelashes and eyebrows. If you now feel like hitting the shower and scrubbing yourself vigorously, I’m afraid it won’t wash the lice away. But if you suspect you’ve got a circus of lice in your underwear, then you should consult your GP, who may prescribe you an insecticidal lotion or cream to treat yourself with.

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What the Men in White Coats Say

Comments

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Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out the Channel 4 Health site or NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.

I had them once, when i was a virgin and had no sexual contract, got them from a towel. Of all the places. I used Permethrin cream was about £5 and got rid of them all in 24 hours. I suggest using that

could u please help i aint had sex in 5 weeks but the past week ave had a itch how is this possible am really worried i live with my folks so they couldnt of give me it i just cant get my head around this

i have never had sex or any close contact with a boy such as sex or kissing etc im completley e virgin but someitmes a bit itchy down below does this mean i have crabs?

Hi, crabs are nasty little creatures, ive had them myself,and i found by shaving my public hair off, (completely) and having a really good bath, and also checking using a mirror, in the hard to see area's i got rid of the little monsters, (P.S, wash your bedding underware, towells on a very hot wash, ideal 60' wash, that will kill any egg's)

Anyone looking for a cure but not wanting to visit your GP, i recommend trying a lotion called DERBAC first, can be found in any pharmacy.

how do you no when u have crabs?my last boyfriend i think had them before me and got ride o them.is ther a posability i could of cought them even though they were gone?

I think I may have crabs so I wanted to know if shaving pubes helped

How come crabs is not the same size and look the same as head lice?Does it take longer or shoter time for pubic lice egggs to hatch?

please help me i recently slept with a man who gave me an itch down below do i have crabs??????
please help

cn u get them if u shave all ure pubes off??




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