Pubic Hair Diseases

Pubic hair diseases occur in the hair located in the pubic region or what is referred to as the groin. Two of the most common are Pseudofolliculitis Barbae (ingrown hairs) and Phthirus pubis, lice that are commonly referred to as crabs.

Features

• Ingrown pubic hairs result from shaving. The hair grows under the skin, creating painful bumps that resemble a pimple.

  Pubic lice (crabs) are insects. Crabs are primarily spread through sexual contact. Contact with infested towels, linens or clothing can start an infection.

Treatment

• According to author Mike Jones, holding “a hot compress against ingrown spots for 10 minutes three times a day [will] soften the skin and help the hairs work their way out”.

  According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), “A lice-killing lotion containing 1 percent permethrin or a mousse containing pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide can be used to treat pubic (crab) lice.”

Significance

• Ingrown hairs are not contagious; however, pubic lice is.

Considerations

• Early treatment prevents secondary infections.

Children

• According to the CDC, “Pubic lice on the eyebrows or eyelashes of children may be a sign of sexual exposure or abuse.”

Warning

• Scratching infected areas can lead to bacterial infections.