Sexually Transmitted Diseases - Scabies and Pubic Lice

Sexually transmitted diseases, also known as venereal diseases are infections that are transmitted from one person to the other during sexual intercourse. There are more than 20 types of sexually transmitted diseases known caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites and yeasts.

These diseases usually affect both men and women. However, the signs and symptoms tend to be more severe among women than men, especially when a woman gets pregnant. Sexually transmitted diseases are also a major contributing factor to preterm birth.

Having safe sex with a partner who is not infected, as well as, having sex with protection, using latex condoms, helps decrease the risk for any such infection, even though it can’t totally eliminate it.

Scabies and pubic lice, commonly known as crabs are one of many types of sexually transmitted diseases which are highly contagious, affecting both men and women, characterized by severe discomfort, pain, itchiness, redness of the genital area, etc.

Scabies

Anyone can get scabies, a mite that burrows into the skin. Scabies is transmitted from one person to the other during close direct contact, including sexual intercourse. These mites make burrows with are hardly visible by the human eye as they are very tiny only .2-.6 inches long. Blisters on the skin may also be noticed at the end of burrows.

It will take about 4 to 6 weeks after exposure for the first signs and symptoms to become noticeable. The burrows become raised and itchiness starts which is usually intense, especially after a shower, physical activity, etc.

Scratching these skin burrows can cause infection, making the situation even worse. A rash can affect any part of the human body, but these mites prefer moist and warm areas, just like the genital area. The signs and symptoms of scabies tend to appear quicker after exposure in a person who has already had scabies in the past.

Scabies is diagnosed by a physical examination of the rash. A rash scrapping might also be looked at under the microscope. Your healthcare provider will identify mite eggs, the mites themselves or fecal matter of these mites.

Scabies is treated with topical or oral medications which are prescribed by your healthcare provider. Both partners should be treated at the same time and sexual abstinence is needed in order to prevent any further spread of these mites from one another. A good personal hygiene including not sharing the same towels and other clothes, or daily changing of the bed linens are necessary as well.

After finishing the treatment course prescribed by your healthcare provider, you might have some skin itchiness even for about 2 more weeks. If the first treatment course has not eliminated all the burrows, talk to your health care provider as retreatment might be needed.

You can prevent scabies by maintaining a good personal hygiene and avoiding contact with an infected person. Leading a healthy sexual life is also very important. However, it is good to know that latex condoms will not protect you from scabies as these mites can be anywhere including the clothes, the towels, bed linens, etc. If you suspect that you have scabies, seek medical help immediately and get treated as soon as possible.

Pubic Lice

Pubic lice are tiny insects that live on the human’s skin. They are commonly known as crabs and tend to live away from their host for about 24 hours. Public lice, just as their name says, tend to infect the parts of the human body covered by hair such as the pubic area, the armpit, the mustache, the beard, the eyebrows, or even the hair. As they are very tiny, they are hardly visualized.

Both men and women can get pubic lace, usually transmitted from one person to the other through sexual contact. The signs and symptoms usually start to become noticeable about 5 days after the infection consisting mostly of severe itchiness. Skin itchiness increases the risk of getting a skin infection.

Treatment of pubic lice consists in using special shampoos, lotions, and topical creams which will help kill these pubic lice. In cases of a skin infection, antibiotics might be needed as well. Both you and your partner should get treated at the same time. Sex abstaining is also needed which will prevent a further spread of pubic lice from one another.

You can prevent pubic lice by maintaining a good personal hygiene and avoiding contact with an infected person. Leading a healthy sexual life is also very important. It is good to know that latex condoms will not protect you from pubic lice. If you suspect that you have pubic lice, seek medical help immediately and get treated as soon as possible.