Pediculosis Pubis.

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Describe the symptoms of pediculosis pubis.

Pediculosis pubis is a condition due to the presence of the pediculus pubis, or crab-louse. It is characterized by more or less itching about the genitalia, together with papules, excoriations, and other inflammatory lesions. The amount of irritation varies; it may be slight, or, on the other hand, severe. The parasite, which is the smallest of the three varieties, may be discovered upon close examination seated near the roots of the hairs, clutching the hair, with its head downward and buried in the follicle. The ova may be seen attached to the hair-shafts.

It infests adults chiefly, being in many instances probably contracted through sexual intercourse.

Is the pediculus pubis found upon any other part of the body?

Yes. Although its favorite habitat is the region of the pubes, it may, in exceptional instances, also infest the axillÆ, the sternal region of the male, the beard, eyebrows, and even the eyelashes.

State the diagnostic characters of pediculosis pubis.

The region involved, itching, variable amount of irritation, and, above all, the presence of the pediculi and their ova.

Fig. 82.

FIG. 82.

Pediculus Pubis x 25. (After Duhring.) Female. Dorsal surface.

Name several applications prescribed for pediculosis pubis.

A lotion of corrosive sublimate, one to four grains to the ounce; infusion of tobacco; a ten to twenty per cent. ointment of oleate of mercury; ammoniated mercury ointment, and a five to ten per cent. -naphthol ointment. Repeated washings with vinegar or dilute acetic acid, or with alkaline lotions, will free the hairs of the ova.


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

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