Crabs concern

[joey123858]

I have a concern in the what you think the odds are that I contracted to crabs. I had a massage at an asian massage parlor and 2-3 days after I became itchy in the genital area.  I was nude on the massage table so I wonder if i may have caught it from the towel that was underneath me.  In many things I read it says that it usually takes 5 days for symtoms to become noticeble.  Prior to this I would have itching in the scrotum area from time to time. What has me concerned is I have scene tiny white specs very far few and in between in the pubic hairs , however they shake off and come off very easy so im wondering if this is dry skin. They say the eggs of lice attach to the pubic hair and you have to slide them across the hair follicle and they dont just wipe off . I went to the dr after trimming the pubic hair and he said he didnt see anything he thought it was jock itch. I do see white specs from time to time but they come right off. I have had sex with my wife over the past 3 weeks since the concern and she's not itchy should I be concenred please advise.

[joey123858]

iIf it was lice wouldnt my wife be itchy by now .

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to body lice or even fungal infection. The third possibility is of any allergic reaction. To confirm any fungal infection, you can also get a KOH examination of the skin scrapings done.

According to CDC(centre of disease control), Intense itching (“pruritus”) and rash caused by an allergic reaction to the louse bites are common symptoms of body lice infestation. Wash the Clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water and dry them in sun after machine drying them. Topical permethrin or Lindane cream may be needed which are available by prescription only.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.