Gay Men's Health: Scotland's Charity for Gay Men |crabs

WELCOME TO GAY MEN’S HEALTH

SCOTLAND’S CHARITY FOR GAY MEN

CRABS

Not an infection - more of an infestation! Crabs (also known as pubic lice) are very easy to catch but also to get rid of! They are transmitted most commonly through sex, though any close body contact provides an opportunity. They can also be transmitted by sharing towels, clothing and bed linen, though this is much less likely.

Symptoms

Look for small black insects; they have crab like claws and cling to pubic hair. Although crabs are particularly fond of pubic hair they can also live in any coarse hair (armpits, eye-brows/lashes, chest hair). They are big enough to see, although because they live in pubic hair they often go unnoticed.

Treatment

Easily treated with a lotion that can be bought direct from a chemist. All towels, bedding and clothing should be washed when treatment begins.

Prevention

Sadly condoms won’t provide the kind of protection you need from crabs, though a body bag might. This is rarely a good look when out and about however. Given that they’re easily dealt with and pretty much harmless (other than being incredibly itchy), they’re not worth worrying about a great deal.