What is Pediculosis Pubis?

It is a sexually transmitted disease whereby the genital area is infested with crab louses i.e. Phthirus Pubis.

Clinical presentation of Pediculosis Pubis

There will be presence of the brown adult lice and eggs (nits) over at the pubic hair area. Sometimes the body hair, eyebrows and eyelashes may also be affected. Patient will experience itch due to the hypersensitivity reaction to the lice.

There will be small hemorrhagic spots seen over the genitalia skin. Over at the lice feeding sites, there may be small blue macules seen.

Diagnostic test of Pediculosis Pubis

Identification of the lice or eggs from the pubic hair area will confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment for Pediculosis Pubis

1.Malathion 0.5% lotion should be applied over the affected area and washed off after 12 hours.

2.Permethrin 1% cream can be applied to affected areas and washed off after 10 minutes. It can be used in pregnant and breastfeeding women. It is however not available in certain countries.

Follow up management

Patients should be reviewed 1 week later. Re-treatment is commenced if there are still lice or eggs found. Contaminated bed sheets and clothes should be washed in hot water.
Sexual partners within the last one month should be examined and treated if infected. 

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