Please note prescriptions are only available in Canada and given at the doctor's discretion.
Pubic lice (Crabs) treatment, diagnosis & prescriptions
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Can I talk to a doctor on Maple about my pubic lice (crabs)?
Yes. Especially if you’re unsure of whether you have pubic lice, a Maple doctor can help you identify them, and prescribe proper treatment.
Can I get a prescription on Maple?
Yes, our physicians can prescribe medications online during your consultation. Once you accept a prescription, you’ll have the option to pick it up from any pharmacy or to have it delivered right to your door at no additional cost.
You can visit our How it Works page to learn more.
What is pubic lice (crabs)?
Pubic lice (commonly called crabs) are insects that live in pubic hair, though they may also live in chest hair, underarm hair, eyelashes and eyebrows, facial hair, and leg hair. These tiny bugs resemble crabs under a microscope, which is why people often call them crabs.
What are the symptoms of pubic lice (crabs)?
Symptoms of pubic lice (crabs) most commonly include itching in the genital area. Some people may have small brown spots on the skin, which are the eggs of a pubic louse (nits). Pubic lice also bite, causing swollen skin and bluish spotting.
Crabs can lead to disease if bites become itchy and are scratched too much, because the open skin increases susceptibility to infection.
What causes pubic lice (crabs)?
Pubic lice (crabs) transmission usually happens during sex, though they can also crawl onto a person’s skin from shared towels, bedsheets, and clothes. It is a common misconception that pubic lice jump or fly, or that a person can get crabs from a toilet seat.
How can I prevent pubic lice (crabs)?
Pubic lice (crabs) prevention is possible through washing sheets or clothes that have likely been in contact with them in hot water. Telling your sexual partners if you have crabs will also prevent the spread, as it is very likely they will also need to be treated.
How can I treat pubic lice (crabs)?
Pubic lice treatment is simple, but important, because they won’t go away without treatment. There are anti-lice shampoos, gels and foams that can be used to treat most of the body except the lashes and eyebrows. For the best removal advice, speak with a doctor about your particular case.
Can I use head lice treatment for pubic lice (crabs)?
Yes, you can use head lice treatment for pubic lice with the exception of treatment in the areas around your eyes.
Does shaving help get rid of pubic lice (crabs)?
Shaving doesn’t get rid of pubic lice completely, because pubic lice eggs can still be stuck to the skin, or pubic lice can crawl to other hair on the body.
What is Maple?
With Maple, you can start talking to a doctor about your symptoms in a matter of minutes. We’re a healthcare app for fast, convenient 24/7 access to Canadian doctors.
You simply log in, tap a button to request a consultation, and we’ll immediately connect you to a doctor via live chat or video. You can visit our How it Works page to learn more.
Our doctors can assess symptoms, and provide treatment, including prescriptions as necessary.
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