STDs part #3 Mites and Insects (Crabs/genital lice and Scabies)

The estimated total number of people living in the US with STD is over sixty-five million. Every year, there are approximately fifteen million new STD cases.

Facts About STDs

• 65 million of people living in the US with STD
• 15 million of new STD cases each year
• 2/3 of all STD's occurs in people 25 yrs of age or younger
• one in four new STD cases occur in teenagers
• cervical cancer in women is linked to HPV
• doctors are required to report newly diagnosed STD cases of gonorrhea, syphilis,chlamydia and hepatitis B to state health departments and the CDC
• one in four Americans have genital herpes, 80% of those with herpes are unaware they have it
• at least one in four Americans will contract an STD at some point in their lives
• 15% of all infertile American women are infertile because of tubal damage caused by untreated STD
• 12% of all infertile American men are infertile because of inflammation of the testicles and sterility caused by untreated STD

CRABS (Pubic Lice)

What is it? Tiny insects that live off human blood. Although they're often found around the genitals, they can live in any part of the body with hair.

How is it contracted? Through sexual transmission, skin-to-skin contact, or in clothing, bedding, or on a toilet seat harboring the insects.

Symptoms: Itching in the genital area or any other part of the body with hair.

Testing: Pubic lice are very small, whitish-gray parasites that look like crabs. You'll be able to see the insects or their eggs (which are pearl-colored and oval-shaped) in your hair. You may notice that the skin under your hair is red and scaly, or there may be small blue spots -- signs of lice bites. If you're unsure whether or not you have lice, see your doctor.

Treatment: Over-the-counter lotions that contain the chemical permethrin such as Rid and Nix will get rid of the lice. (Talk to your doctor before using any product that contains the chemical lindane, which can be toxic, especially for unborn children.) After washing with the lotion, use a fine-toothed comb to comb out the crabs and their eggs (called nits). Your sexual partner(s) must be treated as well, and all clothing or bedding that may be infested must be washed in very hot water or dry-cleaned. In some cases, clothing, towels, or bedding may need to be washed a few times before they're completely lice-free.

If you are not treated: If you don't seek treatment you're likely to pass pubic lice on to any sexual partners, or anyone else you're in close contact with

SCABIES 

What is it? A mite that burrows under the skin and lays eggs.

How is it contracted? Through close contact or through sleeping in bedding or wearing clothes that are infested. Rarely, holding or shaking hands can transmit scabies.

Symptoms: Signs of a scabies infestation include intense itching, or small bumps or a rash on the penis, between the fingers, on buttocks, breasts, wrists, thighs, or around the navel.

Testing: A dermatologist will perform several different tests on the surface of the skin.

Treatment: Creams and lotions containing permethrin such as Rid and Nix must be applied to the whole body from the neck down. (As with pubic lice, products containing lindane may be harmful to the fetus if used by a pregnant woman; check with your doctor.) Change clothing and sleep on freshly laundered sheets after you've applied the lotion. Any bedding or clothing that may have been infested should be washed with very hot water or dry-cleaned.

If you are not treated: Continued scratching can cause an infection, and if it left untreated, scabies can be transmitted to anyone you come in close contact with.

If you are concerned you may have an STD, Come to :

MD Care

400 Westfield Ave

Elizabeth, NJ

(908) 691-3800