MORPION
Also known as "pubic lice", crabs are parasitic insects that specifically target pubic hair. Their presence and the discomfort caused by their bites are called phtiriasis.
Because of the lesions they cause in the skin, crabs can lead to infections with other STIs!
Crabs are highly contagious. Transmission is mainly by sexual contact, but can also occur through the exchange/testing of clothing, bed linen, etc. They are therefore not considered an STI, but are still sexually transmitted. They are therefore not considered an STI, but are nonetheless sexually transmissible.
Crabs bite and suck blood to feed. Their sting causes small, slightly raised slightly raised. Scratching them causes lesions and superinfections.
If left untreated, crabs can spread to the eyebrows, armpits or beard. Wounds caused by scratching can also become superinfected.
The presence of crabs can be detected by :
- medical examination
- self-examination
Your partners should also be screened and treated!
There are several ways to effectively get rid of crabs:
- application of a suitable shampoo/lotion/insecticide spray
- cleaning of all clothing that may have come into contact with crabs at a minimum of 60°C for at least 20 minutes
- seal non-cleanable textiles in an airtight bag for 48 hours in the freezer or for 7 days (to kill crabs) and vacuum them up
To protect yourself from crabs, there are several things you can do:
- avoid sexual contact with a carrier
- avoid sharing underwear, linens, swimming costumes, etc. with a carrier
- avoids wearing underwear when trying on clothes and underwear in the shop
- Shaving your pubic hair can prevent infection (crabs can no longer cling to it and lay their eggs).
