The STD Crab’s: Removal Guide

Crabs, also known as pubic lice, are often mislabeled as an STD. It is neither an STD nor an STI, but parasitic insects that attack hair follicles. In this article, I will give you a little information about crabs, the signs of having it, and ways to prevent it.

Crabs got their name from the crab-like shape of the insects’ body when viewed under a microscope. Crabs or pubic lice are very similar to head lice, except they are usually spread through sexual contact. It can be anything from actual intercourse to just touching private areas, even oral and anal sex. Pubic lice survive by feeding on human blood and are usually found near the base of the hair follicle. It is a mistake to think that these insects are only found in the pubic area; they have been seen in armpits and beards as well. There is no gender specificity in contracting the parasite, everyone is free game.

The most common sign of having crab lice is severe itching/bleeding in the pubic area when scratched. Like head lice, these parasites burrow into the follicle to get to the blood in the surrounding skin, which is what causes the itchiness. Although the crabs are very small and extremely fast, they can sometimes be seen with the naked eye, if not with a magnifying glass. What you can see depends largely on what stage of the life cycle you are in. Lice or nit eggs are usually white or pale yellow in color and are probably the easiest to see in life because they don’t move. After the eggs hatch, the baby crabs are called nymphs, which are just a smaller version of the adult crab. Another way to detect the presence of crabs is to look for small brown spots that are the debris eliminated by the insect. They are usually easier to see than the Crab itself.

The best and most obvious way to prevent getting Crabs is to abstain from sexual intercourse altogether. This is easier said than done for most people, so practicing safe sex is the next best thing. Ask your partner if they have or have ever had the parasite. Before sex, check your partner to see if he has it. There’s no need to make the mood awkward, just be observant during foreplay. It is better to catch it before the action begins than to realize it later.