Pediculosis Pubis symptoms include pain, tenderness, swelling and itching in the pubic area. It may also be accompanied by fever and chills. It occurs in adults and children and usually goes away with rest, ice packs, massages and over-the-counter medications.
It is caused by a parasite called the crab louse (Pthirus pubis). It lives almost exclusively on the human head and body, feeding on blood. Its eggs, or nits, are laid on the base of the pubic hair by female lice. They hatch within 5 to 10 days and then mature into adult lice over the next 10 days.
The lice feed on blood and then shed a liquid, which causes itching. They also live in the skin of the scalp and other body parts, and eat food from their hosts and their blood supply. They can be transmitted from one person to another through direct contact, such as head-to-head kissing or through personal hygiene products and other contaminated objects (combs, towels, hats).
Treatment includes the use of an insecticide shampoo and lotion that contains either permethrin 1% or pyrethrin with piperonyl butoxide. This should be repeated in 9 to 10 days, or as directed by the manufacturer. Lindane 1% shampoo is an alternative but should not be used in children or women who are pregnant or lactating.
Osteitis pubis is a common problem in patients of all ages and can occur after surgery, childbirth or overuse. It can be a frustrating and difficult illness to treat, and many physicians are unable to determine the cause of the condition. This can result in misdiagnosis of osteitis pubis.
Inflammation of the pubic symphysis is associated with pelvic inflammatory disease, hernias and urinary tract infections. Osteitis pubis occurs more often in men during their 30s and 40s, and can be a self-limiting inflammation that goes away with rest. However, if left untreated, it can lead to bone edema and tendinopathy, which can be a source of persistent pelvic pain and discomfort.
When the pubic symphysis becomes inflamed, the muscles surrounding the symphysis become irritated and enlarge, causing increased pressure on the spine. This can cause pain, groin pressure or muscle spasms and is relieved with rest.
There are several causes of osteitis pubis, including infection, avascular necrosis, trauma, and osteoarthritis. The causes are unknown, but osteitis pubis may be hereditary or genetically related to a herniated disk, osteoarthritis, or spinal stenosis.
Athletes with osteitis pubis are more likely to experience pain than sedentary individuals who do not have the condition. They are more likely to have degenerative changes in the pubic symphysis, boned medullary edema and tendinopathy than sedentary people without the problem.
Osteitis pubis is most commonly seen in active people, but it can be present in anyone who has a history of abdominal trauma, pelvic surgery, childbirth, or overuse. It is a painful, disfiguring inflammatory process that often improves with rest, ice packs, and physical therapy. This inflammatory process occurs primarily in the lower rectus abdominis muscles and may be exacerbated by running, kicking or pivoting on one leg.
