Patient's question:
I don't even know what's going on. I was diagnosed with pubic lice, and I don't usually do anything reckless.Doctor's answer:
1. ItchingThe most obvious and common symptom of pubic lice is itching. After infection, patients will experience intense itching in the affected area. This is because the lice use their claws to pierce the skin or create holes, while their mouthparts bite and inject saliva. The lice inject saliva while feeding to prevent blood from clotting, which facilitates blood-feeding. Since lice feed several times a day, the itching is intermittent, and its severity varies from person to person.
2. Rashes
The bites of pubic lice are very small and often invisible to the naked eye. After being bitten, small red spots may appear, followed by blood scabs once the bleeding stops. The itching caused by the bites often leads to scratching, which can result in infection, forming pustules, oozing, and crusting.
3. Blue-gray Spots
Near the affected area, 0.2 to 2 cm blue-gray spots may be observed. These spots are painless and itchy, do not fade when pressed, and can last for several months. These spots may also appear on the chest, abdomen, and inner thighs. The exact cause of these blue-gray spots is unclear, but it may be related to the saliva of the lice entering the bloodstream during bites.
Advice:
1. Avoid unsafe sex, as the primary mode of transmission for this condition is through unsafe sexual contact.
2. When traveling, avoid using public towels, wearing others' underwear, or sharing bedding with others.
3. Maintain good hygiene and bathe frequently.
4. If infected, both partners should be treated and examined simultaneously.
5. Check for the presence of other sexually transmitted diseases to ensure timely treatment.