If there's one thing that can drive a woman both embarrassed and frustrated, it's probably pubic lice. Often, women experience inexplicable itching in their genital area. They feel awkward scratching in public, but the itching is unbearable if they don't, and what's worse, scratching only makes it worse! So, what exactly are these agonizing pubic lice?
I. Unveiling the Mystery of Pubic Lice
People who keep pets at home are certainly familiar with lice. However, this type of lice is not transmitted between humans and pets, but is a parasite that lives on human hair ; it is called pubic lice.
Pubic lice are small, resembling turtles, and use their large claws to grip the hair shaft. The lice are about 1-3 mm long, wingless, and are called pubic lice because they are commonly found in the pubic area .
Pubic lice are caused by the bites of these external parasites. Pubic lice typically infest the pubic hair and around the anus , causing itching when they bite the skin. Pubic lice is also a skin-contagious parasitic disease.
Pubic lice primarily affect the pubic area and perianal region, but can also appear in the armpits and chest . Common symptoms include intense itching, especially at night, mainly localized to the pubic area, but can also affect the perianal region, lower abdomen, armpits, eyelashes, and lower legs . Because it is contagious, partners may experience similar symptoms.
II. Why do people get pubic lice?
The presence of pubic lice on a person is related to a variety of factors, including personal hygiene, public health, and private life. Based on the transmission routes, pubic lice can be divided into three types: sexual contact, direct contact, and indirect contact .
Sexual intercourse accounts for 95% of pubic lice transmission. Direct contact between partners during intercourse can lead to direct transmission of pubic lice. Women, especially those with abundant pubic hair, are particularly susceptible, as the moist environment of the genital area, without proper hygiene , creates an ideal breeding ground for pubic lice .
Direct transmission refers to non-sexual contact transmission through direct contact. For example, poor living conditions, contact with someone who has pubic lice , sharing a bed, or washing clothes together with the clothes of an carrier can all lead to infection.
Indirect transmission often occurs in public places. Many people use public toilets, which contain a lot of bacteria. If the public toilet you use has been used by someone with pubic lice , you are more likely to get infected with pubic lice.
3. Do these 3 things to get rid of pubic lice
After understanding how pubic lice are transmitted, the most effective way to prevent them is to start with hygiene.
1. Control the source of infection
Pubic lice often occur between couples. After infection, both partners should undergo treatment and examination at the same time, and should also be checked for the presence of other sexually transmitted diseases.
In addition to timely treatment, the source of infection should be traced, especially the patient's sexual partners, who should be examined and treated. Clothing, bedding, and other contaminated items used by the patient should be boiled to kill the lice or ironed.
2. Cut off the transmission route
To prevent pubic lice, the first step is to avoid promiscuous sexual activity and maintain good personal hygiene. In public restrooms, avoid direct contact with the toilet seat and use squat toilets whenever possible . If living in poor conditions, wash clothes separately and ensure regular ventilation of your living environment.
3. Pay attention to hygiene
When traveling for business or leisure, do not use shared towels, wear other people's underwear, or share bedding with others . In daily life, regularly boil and wash towels, sheets, and underwear, and sun-dry them to kill germs; disinfect public items such as toilets and towels.
The ideal way to treat pubic lice is to effectively kill both adult lice and their eggs simultaneously. Before treatment, the patient should shave their pubic hair, and underwear, sheets, and blankets should be soaked in boiling water to kill the lice.
Shower frequently, change clothes often, avoid prostitution, and learn to live a disciplined life; pubic lice will naturally stay away from you.
Interactive question: What should I do if I have pubic lice?
References
[1] "What is pubic lice?". Zhihu - Aunt Su, Private Plastic Surgery. 2018-11-29
[3] Why do people get pubic lice? 3 reasons, don't get infected unknowingly. Healthy Living. 2020-01-06
