Dear Akira69,

Under the microscope, pubic lice look like tiny crabs. To the naked eye, they appear to be pale gray, but get darker when swollen with blood. They attach themselves and their eggs to pubic hair, underarm hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows. Their eggs are white and are deposited in small clumps near the hair roots.

Pubic lice bite and suck the blood of the person who has them. They are not at all dangerous, but they can be very uncomfortable. Common symptoms of pubic lice include

• intense itching in the genitals or anus
• mild fever
• feeling run down
• irritability

Itching usually begins five days after people get pubic lice. Some people don't itch and don't know they have them.

Pubic lice are very contagious. They can be spread by sex play and other intimate or close contact. They're also spread by contact with infected bedding, clothing, upholstered furniture, and toilet seats.

Pubic lice can be treated pretty easily with certain over-the-counter body and hair shampoos, such as A-200, RID, and InnoGel. Pregnant and breastfeeding women and infants, however, can't use these medications. They must use products designed especially for them, such as Eurax.

Whatever treatment is chosen, it may be necessary to repeat the treatment from head-to-toe. Everyone who may have been exposed to pubic lice should be treated at the same time. It's also important to wash — with very hot water — all bedding, towels, and clothing that may have been exposed, and to vacuum all carpets.

If you think you have pubic lice and have trouble getting rid of it, you may want to see a clinician. Call 1-800-230-PLAN to schedule an appointment at a Planned Parenthood health center near you.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.