European guideline for the management of pediculosis pubis

Abstract

Pediculosis pubis is caused by Phthirus pubis. The disease can be sexually transmitted. Patients main complain is of itch in the pubic area. The parasite can be spotted with the naked eye and blue macules can be observed in the pubic area. First line therapy consists of permethrin or pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide. Second line therapy contains phenothrin, malathion and oral ivermectin. Partner management needs a look-back period of time of 3 months. Pubic lice incidence is increased in populations groups living in crowded spaces with scarce sanitary conditions as in time of war or disaster.

Benign dermatoses of the male genital areas: A review of the literature

“…P. pubis infests the terminal hairs of the pubic and perianal areas but also eyebrows and eyelashes, rarely in adults but typical in children. The most common symptom is pruritus with blue macules (maculae ceruleae) at feeding sites 30 . Physical findings include nits and/or live lice attached to hairs shaft visible with the naked eye or using a dermoscope (Figure 3C,D).…”

“…Dermoscopy is particularly useful for treatment monitoring, because nits containing vital nymphs show ovoid brown structures, whereas the empty nits are translucent with a plane and fissured free ending 17 . The most commonly used treatments are permethrin cream and pyrethrins with piperonyl butoxide shampoo 30 …”

White eggs and yellow-brown spots on the pubic-perineal hairs

“…123. Crab lice are usually transmitted via sexual contact, close body contact, or more rarely by contact with contaminated objects (bed linens, towels, or clothes) 14…”

“…Incidence is estimated at 1.3-4.6% worldwide,5 and is increased in crowded populations with unsanitary conditions 45. Pubic pruritus is the principal symptom.…”

“…Diagnosis is dependent on detection of lice and nits with close inspection, magnification, and/or dermatoscopy 1246. Dermatoscopy also rules out trichomycosis pubis and white piedra, which can resemble nits on pubic hairs on inspection 1…”