Roger-Luc Chayer (Image: AI / Gay Globe)
One of the most emblematic parasites in the sexual history of humanity, the crab louse, better known as the pubic louse, had nearly disappeared for years. However, it is making a slow return, and this is no trivial news!
The crab louse is a tiny parasite that clings to hair and feeds on human blood. Yes, you read that correctly—it feeds on human blood. Unlike head lice, it prefers areas of the body where the hair is thicker, such as the pubic region, but it can also be found on other hairy parts of the body, like the armpits or chest.
Invisible to the naked eye at first glance, it causes intense itching due to its bites, often leading to vigorous scratching. Transmission occurs mainly through direct contact, often during intimate relations, but it can also spread through clothing or bedding.
Once in decline, particularly due to the widespread practice of intimate waxing and body hair trimming, it had almost disappeared from the sexual landscape. It was hardly heard of until the last two or three years, when pharmacists noticed a gradual return of this rather repugnant parasite.
According to public health authorities, the return of crab lice can be explained by several changes in habits and lifestyles. Full-body waxing, which had contributed to their decline, seems less widespread than before, thus providing a new habitat conducive to their survival. Additionally, social and sexual behaviors are evolving, with greater freedom and possibly more relaxed hygiene precautions.
Tourism, frequent travel, and increased proximity between individuals also promote transmission, even unintentionally.
Some experts believe that the heavy use of insecticides and chemicals may have led to increased resistance in these parasites, making them more difficult to eradicate. Finally, the lack of information about their existence, after years of near-disappearance, means that infections often go unnoticed until diagnosed, allowing the parasite to spread more easily.
Can crabs transmit HIV?
Crabs cannot transmit HIV. These parasites feed on blood, but unlike mosquitoes or contaminated syringes, they do not transfer bodily fluids between hosts.
HIV is a fragile virus that does not survive outside the human body and cannot be carried by insects or external parasites. Although crab lice are unpleasant and irritating, they do not present any risk of HIV transmission.
However, crabs can cause other health problems
According to Wikipedia, crabs can cause phtiriasis. Phtiriasis (or phthiriasis) is a skin infection caused by the crab louse. It is also known as inguinal pediculosis. It is a bothersome but mild parasitic infection.
The infection is highly contagious. In most cases, transmission occurs through direct contact, particularly during sexual activity. It is therefore considered a sexually transmitted infection.
Less commonly, transmission occurs indirectly. Swimming pools, saunas, and trying on clothes are the most common examples of indirect transmission.
How are crabs and phtiriasis treated?
Crabs and phtiriasis are mainly treated with specific topical treatments, such as lotions or anti-parasitic creams that eliminate the lice and are available over-the-counter at pharmacies. These products contain active ingredients such as permethrin or pyrethrum, which kill the parasites.
It is also essential to carefully wash clothes, bedding, and towels at a high temperature to prevent re-infestation. In some cases, repeated treatments may be necessary to eliminate any remaining eggs, with two treatments recommended over a ten-day period to completely remove the eggs. If the infestation persists, it is advisable to consult a doctor for a more suitable treatment.
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