Causes and risk factors
The cause is infestation of the pubic region with crab lice. It is highly contagious and hence sexual contact is one of the major causes of transmission of the tiny insect from one person to another. Use of bedding, towels or clothes of the infected person spreads the infection.
Clinical presentation
Usually the patients remains a symptomatic, however one can present with complaints of itching on the pubic region.There is tickling feeling on the pubic area. These complaints are aggravated at night as the parasite is more active during night; hence it also results in disturbed sleep and irritability. Frequent itching of the pubic area also poses an embarrassing situation at public. Pubic louse does not pose any life threatening complication; however it can lead to secondary infection or spread of pubic louse to the partner.
Investigations
Diagnosis is done on the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and examination of the pubic area. On inspecting the pubic region with naked eyes the parasite or its eggs can be seen in between the hair.
Treatment
The treatment consists of application of medicated shampoos and lotions. Medications are readily available at the counters. Regular washing of pubic hair and pat them dry, maintenance of hygienic condition ,avoid sharing of personal things like towels are certain preventive measures which needs to be adopted.
Other modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms.
