Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing
HIV / AIDS
Lice
Chlamydia
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
Vaginitis
Herpes
Lice
There are three varieties of lice; head, body and pubic lice. In order for lice to survive, they must feed on blood within 24 hours. The adult female lays eggs (nits) which are attached to individuals hairs. The young emerge seven to ten days later. Under favorable conditions, the louse will reach maturity in aproximately two weeks. The adult female lives 20 to 30 days and is capable of laying 50 eggs during that time.
Pubic Lice (Crabs)
Although more commonly found in the pubic hair, these crabs may also be located in the underarm area, on the chest, eyelashes and even mustaches.
Pubic lice are often the size and color of small freckles. When severe itching occurs in the genital area, investigate the possibility of crabs.
The diagnosis can be made by finding lice or nits on the hairs.
Body and Head Lice
These two species of lice live on hairs located on the body and head. The nits, or eggs, are deposited by the female at the base of the hairs.
Transmission
Crab lice are most frequently spread by sexual contact, however, transmission through infested clothing and contaminated toilet seats is possible yet infrequent.
Body and head lice are spread by:
- Direct contact with an infested person or stray hairs that have nits.
- Personal items-combs, brushes and hair care items as well as towels and pillow cases.
- Clothing may also spread body and head lice (hats, ribbons and other head coverings included.)
Treatment
Treatment for pubic, body and head lice includes topical application of Nix (permethrin), A200 Pyrinate (pyrethrins), or Kwell (lindane 1%). Nix and A200 are available without a prescription. Simultaneous treatment of sexual partner(s), household members, clothing and living quarters is recommended.
Clean all articles that have been worn in the last two weeks. Adult lice will die after 24 hours without human contact and any eggs left by the female lice will hatch within two weeks. It is important to watch for later infestation.
Disinfect combs, brushes and similar items by washing with the medicated shampoo.
Items which cannot be washed or dry cleaned, i.e. furniture, can be isolated for two weeks or sealed in an airtight plastic bag.
Scabies
Commonly called the "itch mite," scabies is caused by a tiny organism named Scaroptes scabies. The pregnant female mite burrows under the skin and deposits her eggs. The intense itching is believed to be caused by the development of an allergic reaction to the waste material of the burrowing, feeding and egg-laying female mites.
The most common symptoms of scabies is severe itching, especially at night. The usual sites of the lesions which result from the burrows are the spaces between the fingers, back of hands, elbows, armpits, groin, breasts, penis, small of back and the buttocks. Diagnosis includes skin scrapings and microscopic identification.
Transmission
Scabies is not an indication of bad hygiene, nor nutritional deficiency. It is usually transmitted through close contact with another person who is infested or with clothing, bed linens or towels contaminated with itch mites. Family members, schoolmates, teammates, roommates and sexual partner(s) are likely candidates for infection and simultaneous treatment.
Treatment
Currently the most effective treatments are Elimite (permethrin) or Kwell (lindane, 1%). Itching may take several days or even weeks to resolve completely after effective treatment. Any soothing lotion may also be used. Additionally, clothing or bed linens used in the past two weeks should be washed and/or dried using a hot cycle, or dry cleaned. Simultaneous treatment of household members, sexual partner(s) and clothing is recommended.
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