Lice are blood-sucking insects and specific parasites of human beings; pubic lice are slightly smaller than head lice and body lice
Aetiology
- Aquired by close genital skin contact
Pathophysiology
- Lice bite skin and feed on blood, which causes itching in pubic area
- Female louse lays eggs on hair next to skin
- Males on average live for 22 days, females for 17 days
Clinical presentation
- Itchy red papules are the most common presentation
- Itching takes 1-3 weeks to develop after the first infestation but may occur immediately following re-infestation
- Itching tends to be worse at night
- Blue macules may be visible at feeding sites
- Minute dark-brown specks of louse excreta are sometimes seen on the skin and underwear
Investigations
- The diagnosis is based on finding adult lice or eggs
Management
- Two applications of malathion 0.5% aqueous lotion or permethrin 5% dermal cream, seven days apart
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