Crabs are a type of sexually transmitted disease (STD) that are also known as pubic lice or genital crabs. Like head lice, they are a type of parasite that can attach themselves to the hair of men and women. Unlike head lice, though, pubic lice attach to body hair, which in addition to pubic hair can include arm, leg, and underarm hair. Crabs are a relatively harmless type of STD that cause itching or inflammation in the affected areas. Treatment is fairly simple and consists of medicated shampoos, usually available without prescription, that kill the lice and their eggs.
Genital crabs are parasitic creatures that feed on human blood, scientifically known as Pediculosis pubis. They are extremely easy to transmit through sexual activity because they can spread from skin to skin contact. They are passed on through direct physical contact. Pubic lice can live away from a host for a short time and may therefore spread through contact with undergarments, clothing, or bedding.
The most common symptom of having contracted crabs is itching in the genital region. Although quite small, the crabs themselves may be visible crawling at times and have usually have a dark gray color. Their egg sacs often appear as tiny white or yellow specks attached to individual hair shafts. Blue marks on the skin can appear at sites where crabs have bit the skin to feed. More serious symptoms are rare but could include skin swelling similar to other bug bites or raw skin caused by frequent scratching.
In most cases, the first of the STD Crabs Symptoms to be noticed is pruritus or itching, typically in the pubic or genital and perianal areas. The itching caused by crab lice, which also go by the name pubic lice, can be quite intense.
Crab lice infestation, known by the medical term pediculosis pubis, is evidently more common in the cooler months. Without a doubt, pediculosis pubis morbidity or the STD crabs symptoms relate to the social stigma attached to any type of lice infestation. Pruritus, bite reactions, and secondary skin infections can cause substantial morbidity too.
Males and females are equally likely to get this infestation. Adults with the STD crabs symptoms tend to be sexually active individuals, and their pubic and other body hair have involvement in the infestation. Facial hair is a site of infestation in rare cases. Involvement of the scalp is also rare and usually confined to its marginal areas. Eyelash infestation in adults, without genital infestation, is not common at all either.
If STD crabs symptoms are involved with pruritus of the groin, axillae (armpits), and eyelashes or eyebrows, they help to differentiate pediculosis pubis from head louse or body louse infestations. People infested with crab lice may find papules or wheals. These are indications of skin reactions to the bite of the crab louse.
Another one of the important STD crabs symptoms is the presence of maculae cerulea. These spots are pathognomonic, or distinctively characteristic of crab lice infestation. Excoriations or raw, irritated skin lesions are also common. Inguinal (or groin) lymphadenopathy and axillary lymphadenopathy are STD crabs symptoms that have also been reported. A lymphadenopathy is an abnormal enlargement of lymph nodes.
Forming a diagnosis of crab lice infestation requires finding live specimens of the crabs and/or a viable nit, which is one located at the base of the hair shaft or less than two millimeters from it. Crabs are not very mobile, and they are likely to be found clinging to hairs near the surface of the skin in the affected areas.
Aside from the basic sexual transmission that has been mentioned, people in crowded living conditions are also commonly at risk to get crabs.
Use an over-the-counter lotion or anti-lice shampoo. Follow instructions on the label. The shampoo will kill the lice, but eggs – nits – may remain on hair shafts. After treatment, remove nits with fingernails, tweezers, or a fine-toothed comb. A mirror, magnifying glass, and a bright light may help.
Check other family members for crabs. Anyone who sleeps in the same bed as the person should be treated, even if no pubic lice are found. Wash clothes, bedding, or towels used by the person in the two days before treatment. Use hot water. Dry-clean or store Items that can't be washed in a plastic bag for 2 weeks.
Treatment may need to be repeated 9 to 10 days later.
To be checked for other sexually transmitted diseases.
If a second round of over-the-counter treatment isn't effective.
If the person develops an infection from scratching the affected area.
If fingers or combs aren't enough to remove lice or nits in eyebrows and eyelashes. A health care provider can prescribe ophthalmic grade petroleum jelly.