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Home > Health > What is the Difference Between Pubic Lice and Scabies?

Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Pubic Lice and Scabies?

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Pubic lice and scabies are both parasitic infestations that can be passed on through skin-to-skin contact, including during sexual activities. They are classified as sexually transmissible infections (STIs). Here are the main differences between the two:

Pubic Lice (Crabs):

  • Parasite insects that infest pubic hair.
  • Can also be found in underarm hair, leg hair, chest hair, stomach hair, back hair, mustache, beard hair, and less commonly on eyelash and eyebrow hairs.
  • Adult lice have six legs, are around 2mm long, and are usually yellow-grey or dusky red.
  • Diagnosed by finding lice, eggs, or nits (empty eggshells) in the pubic hair or underwear.
  • Main symptoms include itchiness and sometimesblue spots or tiny spots of blood on the skin caused by bites.
  • Can be treated at home by applying an insecticide shampoo, cream, or lotion.

Scabies:

  • Caused by tiny mites that infest the genital skin.
  • Itching is often worse at night and is more severe than with pubic lice.
  • Diagnosed by finding a rash, bumps, or redness on the genital skin.
  • Scabies mites are too small to see, but you can see the rash they cause.
  • Main symptoms include itchiness in the infected area, blue spots or tiny spots of blood on the skin caused by bites, and black powder-like droppings in your underwear.
  • Treatment involves applying a topical cream to the entire body, including the genital area.

Both pubic lice and scabies can lead to secondary skin infections if left untreated. It is essential to follow the recommended treatment procedures and maintain proper hygiene to prevent the spread of these parasitic infestations.

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  • What is the Difference Between Pubic Lice and Scabies?
  • Comparative Table: Pubic Lice vs Scabies

    • Comparative Table: Pubic Lice vs Scabies

    Here is a table comparing the differences between pubic lice and scabies:

    Feature Pubic Lice Scabies
    Causative Agent Pediculus pubis (lice) Sarcoptes scabiei (mites)
    Location Mainly in pubic hair, can also be found in armpit hair, leg hair, chest hair, facial hair, and other body hair Mainly in genital skin, can also be found in the skin between fingers, around wrists, ankles, armpits, groin, and belt line
    Size Adult lice are around 2mm long Mites are tiny, almost invisible to the naked eye
    Color Yellow-grey or dusky red Mites are not visible, but the rash they cause can be seen
    Transmission Mainly through sexual skin-to-skin contact, can also be transmitted through shared bed linen, clothing, and towels Mainly through sexual skin-to-skin contact, can also be transmitted through shared bed linen, clothing, and towels
    Infestation Duration Can survive away from the body for up to 3 days Can survive away from the body for up to 3 days
    Symptoms Itching in the affected area, lice, eggs, or nits (empty eggshells) in the pubic hair or underwear Itching in the affected area, rash, bumps, or redness on the genital skin (more likely with scabies as they burrow into the skin), fever, sleep disturbance, and tiredness
    Treatment Treatment is needed only if live, crawling lice are seen. Items that cannot be washed should be sealed in an airtight plastic bag for one week Treatment involves applying a cream or lotion recommended by a pharmacist over the entire body, which needs to be repeated after 24 hours
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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.