Pubic lice are small parasitic insects that live among the pubic hair. They are spread by contact, most often – sexual. There are also other, less common ways to be caught – from other people’s clothes, towels, as well as from toilet seats. One to three weeks after infestation, the first symptoms may appear, including: itching in the affected area, redness and inflammation caused by scratching; small red spots on underwear or skin; black dust on the underwear, etc. In addition to intimate areas, this type of lice is also found on the hair on the legs and armpits, chest hair, beard, mustache, and often on eyelashes and eyebrows. Adult pubic lice are about 2 millimeters in size and are yellow-gray to deep red in color. They lay their eggs at the base of the hair. After hatching, the young are white in color and are called nits. The life of these insects lasts from one to three months, during which time only one female can lay over 300 eggs. They hatch after 6-10 days, and up to three weeks later they are already capable of breeding. When scratching the skin due to itching, skin infections develop – streptoderma, impetigo, furunculosis. NEWS_MORE_BOX There is no known case of these parasites transmitting sexually transmitted diseases, but regardless, a specialist consultation is imperative when they are detected. If they are found, this indicates recent sexual contact with an individual with poor personal hygiene, which is a prerequisite for a large number of sexually transmitted diseases. Falling into such a risk group, tests are done for the most common venereal diseases. Removing this type of lice is not a problem – a doctor can prescribe the most suitable lotion or shampoo, but sometimes it is necessary to shave the affected area. It is not appropriate to choose such a product without a doctor’s help – many types of pubic lice can develop resistance to certain ingredients, which is why the recommendations of a specialist should be followed.