Pubic Lice (Crabs) are small parasites that grip onto the hair in the genital area.
Pubic Lice (Crabs)
Symptoms
The most common symptom of pubic lice is itching in the pubic hair. Close inspection should reveal tiny lice clinging to the hair. There may also be nits (eggs) attached to the hair shaft. Crabs can also be found in beards, armpits, on chest hair and on the eyelashes. They usually show up from three days to several weeks after contact and are passed on by close body contact with someone who has crabs.
As crabs and their eggs can survive for some time away from the body, it is also possible to catch them by sharing towels, clothes or from someone else’s bed.
An external physical examination will show the presence of crabs.
Treatment
Crabs are easily cured by using appropriate genital lice shampoos and creams available over the counter at pharmacies. Shaving the pubic area will not get rid of crabs.
All bed-linen, clothes, towels and underwear should be washed in a hot soapy wash. Sexual partners and anyone in close physical contact should also be treated to avoid re-infection. It is also advisable to repeat the treatment after several days.
STIs
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Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that can infect the mucous lining of the penis, anus or eyes.
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Gonorrhoea
Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection that lives in the mucous lining of the penis, throat, anus or eyes.
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Herpes (HSV)
Herpes (HSV) presents in two different types.
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Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Human Papillomavirus (Warts) is the virus that can cause warts on the penis, anus or surrounding areas.
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Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)
LGV is a particularly virulent form of the Chlamydia bacteria. It is still rare, but it may become more common over time.
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HIV
We comprehensively discuss HIV across our website, so we'll just cover the basics here. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It belongs to a group of viruses called retroviruses, which work by invading cells within the body then begin to continually reproduce itself.
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Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A causes inflammation in the liver and is the form of the virus which often comes on very quickly and is short-term but severe.
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Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a virus that causes inflammation of the liver.
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Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C (HCV) is a virus that causes serious damage to the liver.
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Syphilis
Syphilis is a bacterial infection that infects the penis, throat or anus and then spreads to different parts of the body through the bloodstream.
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Gut Infections
Gut Infections are caused by bacteria (such as amoebiasis, shigellosis, giardiasis and salmonellosis).
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Pubic Lice (Crabs)
Pubic Lice (Crabs) are small parasites that grip onto the hair in the genital area.
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Scabies
Scabies are tiny mites (smaller than crabs) that burrow under the skin to lay eggs.
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Thrush
Thrush (or Candidiasis) is a yeast infection that irritates the mucous membranes around the genitals.
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