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What Are The Symptoms Of Pubic Lice Infestation?

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Posted on Mon, 6 Apr 2015
Question: I'm worried about scabies and public lice after having anal sex with a male sex worker 6 days ago ( i was the receiver).

I was examined by a doctor today and they said my anal area looked clean and I shouldnt have anything to worry about. However, I've read these insets may not appear for weeks.

I just performed a self exam of the area and was unable to pull anything suspicious off my hairs in the area.

Should I rest easy on this worry having seen a doctor and not having any itching or signs whatsoever so far?

-freaking out
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Scabies and pubic lice less likely if you have no symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX,
Thanks for writing in.

I have read through your query in detail.
Since you have been to a doctor and got yourself examined clinically, there is no obvious sign of pubic lice infestation then you can take it easy.

Pubic lice and scabies can cause symptoms up to 6 weeks later also so should you have any of the symptoms then please return to your doctor for treatment.

Pubic lice infestation might cause the following
1. Itching in the affected areas
2. Black powdery droppings from the lice in your underwear
3. Brown eggs on pubic or other body hair
4. Irritation and inflammation in the affected area, sometimes caused by scratching
5. Sky-blue spots (which disappear within a few days) or very tiny specks of blood on the skin.

Scabies infestation might cause the following
1. Intense itching in the affected areas which may only be noticed at night, or which becomes worse in bed at night or after a hot bath or shower.
2. An itchy red rash or tiny spots. Sometimes the diagnosis can be difficult because the rash can look like other itchy conditions, such as eczema.
3. Inflammation or raw, broken skin in the affected areas – usually caused by scratching.

There is very little chance that you might have got it from your incident 6 days ago. Even if you have the symptoms in 6 weeks, these conditions are completely curable with short course of medications. They only involve the skin and do not cause any serious health concern. Treatment is easy and always effective.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vivek Chail

Radiologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 6874 Questions

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What Are The Symptoms Of Pubic Lice Infestation?

Brief Answer: Scabies and pubic lice less likely if you have no symptoms Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX, Thanks for writing in. I have read through your query in detail. Since you have been to a doctor and got yourself examined clinically, there is no obvious sign of pubic lice infestation then you can take it easy. Pubic lice and scabies can cause symptoms up to 6 weeks later also so should you have any of the symptoms then please return to your doctor for treatment. Pubic lice infestation might cause the following 1. Itching in the affected areas 2. Black powdery droppings from the lice in your underwear 3. Brown eggs on pubic or other body hair 4. Irritation and inflammation in the affected area, sometimes caused by scratching 5. Sky-blue spots (which disappear within a few days) or very tiny specks of blood on the skin. Scabies infestation might cause the following 1. Intense itching in the affected areas which may only be noticed at night, or which becomes worse in bed at night or after a hot bath or shower. 2. An itchy red rash or tiny spots. Sometimes the diagnosis can be difficult because the rash can look like other itchy conditions, such as eczema. 3. Inflammation or raw, broken skin in the affected areas – usually caused by scratching. There is very little chance that you might have got it from your incident 6 days ago. Even if you have the symptoms in 6 weeks, these conditions are completely curable with short course of medications. They only involve the skin and do not cause any serious health concern. Treatment is easy and always effective. Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements. Hope your query is answered. Do write back if you have any doubts. Regards, Dr.Vivek