Aa
Crabs worry
Im hoping you can give me some input of contracting crabs from receiving a massage from an independent provider.
After approximately 2 weeks of recieviing a massage I developed itchiness in my scrotum. I had some medication for a fungal infection I had a year ago. I used it for 10 days to no avail, I saw some my dermatologist who examined me pretty fast but said I do indeed have a fungal infection. He switched the medication and the symptoms have still not gone away after having them for 3 weeks.
When I inspect the area I don't see any nits or insects. There are some nights where the itching seems to get more intense which concerns me that I have lice as everything I read says it gets worse at night however I don't have any bite marks or visible signs of this disease. What are the odds of contra ting lice from a towel if the massage specialist didn't change the towel and the previous client had lice. The symptoms I experience are tingling, itchiness, and sometimes the sensation that something is crawling on me. I have read that pubic lice is pretty intense and that it doesn't let up. Your input is greatly appreciated. The info on the Internet is confusing.
After approximately 2 weeks of recieviing a massage I developed itchiness in my scrotum. I had some medication for a fungal infection I had a year ago. I used it for 10 days to no avail, I saw some my dermatologist who examined me pretty fast but said I do indeed have a fungal infection. He switched the medication and the symptoms have still not gone away after having them for 3 weeks.
When I inspect the area I don't see any nits or insects. There are some nights where the itching seems to get more intense which concerns me that I have lice as everything I read says it gets worse at night however I don't have any bite marks or visible signs of this disease. What are the odds of contra ting lice from a towel if the massage specialist didn't change the towel and the previous client had lice. The symptoms I experience are tingling, itchiness, and sometimes the sensation that something is crawling on me. I have read that pubic lice is pretty intense and that it doesn't let up. Your input is greatly appreciated. The info on the Internet is confusing.
Thank you for your prompt response , this is a great service I appreciate your help
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Yes, you would see them easily.
So If I gave myself close insepection I would be able to see the nits or crabs with my naked eye. Thanks for your help
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Welcome to the forum; thanks for your question.
I'm not surprised to hear that "The info on the Internet is confusing", There hasn't been much research on crab lice (crabs) or their transmission; most of what we know is based on clinical impressions, not systematic data.
That said, I am quite certain you don't have it. First, a massage parlor is an unlikely place to catch crabs, especially if they use fresh sheets and towels for each client (as you imply yourself). And even if they didn't do that, I would guess the transmission risk as very low, even if a recent client were infested. Second, a dermatologist is not likely to miss the lice or nits. Third, you would easily seem them yourself. You may have seen information on the web that they are hard to see. That's true, but it really applies only when someone hasn't looked carefully. On close inspection, they are always easily apparent. (If you are dark skinned, the lice themselves may be quite difficult to spot. But in that case, the nits typically stand out as white spots attached to the bases of pubic hairs.)
If your symptoms continue, I would advise you to return to the dermatologist for re-evaluaton. And if you want still further reassurance about crabs, you could purchase one of the over-the-counter treatments (e.g., Rid) and give it a try. But for the reasons above, I don't expect it would make any difference in your symptoms.
I hope this has helped. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
I'm not surprised to hear that "The info on the Internet is confusing", There hasn't been much research on crab lice (crabs) or their transmission; most of what we know is based on clinical impressions, not systematic data.
That said, I am quite certain you don't have it. First, a massage parlor is an unlikely place to catch crabs, especially if they use fresh sheets and towels for each client (as you imply yourself). And even if they didn't do that, I would guess the transmission risk as very low, even if a recent client were infested. Second, a dermatologist is not likely to miss the lice or nits. Third, you would easily seem them yourself. You may have seen information on the web that they are hard to see. That's true, but it really applies only when someone hasn't looked carefully. On close inspection, they are always easily apparent. (If you are dark skinned, the lice themselves may be quite difficult to spot. But in that case, the nits typically stand out as white spots attached to the bases of pubic hairs.)
If your symptoms continue, I would advise you to return to the dermatologist for re-evaluaton. And if you want still further reassurance about crabs, you could purchase one of the over-the-counter treatments (e.g., Rid) and give it a try. But for the reasons above, I don't expect it would make any difference in your symptoms.
I hope this has helped. Best wishes-- HHH, MD
You are reading content posted in the STDs Forum
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Millions of people are diagnosed with STDs in the U.S. each year.
STDs can't be transmitted by casual contact, like hugging or touching.
Syphilis is an STD that is transmitted by oral, genital and anal sex.
