What are crab lice and how would I get it?

Dear Counsellor:

Few days ago my pubic area started itching me real badly. I had to shave the area, and then I noticed a few tiny brown looking insects. My friend told me I might be infected with crab lice.

Ray

Dear Ray:

Crab lice ('crabs') are small, light brown, flat insects that cling to the hairs (pubic hair) around the sex organs. They suck blood for nourishment, and fix their eggs (nits) to the pubic hairs.

The bites from the insects may cause small sores and severe itching. The insects can pass from one person to another during the close physical contact of intercourse. They prefer the pubic hair area and do not voluntarily leave the body.

What are the symptoms of syphilis in women?

Dear Counsellor:

I recently found that I am infected with syphilis. I find it difficult to believe, as I have never had any symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection before. Can it affect my baby if I'm pregnant?

Girlie

Dear Girlie:

It is possible for you to be infected with syphilis and the symptoms go unnoticed or are mistaken for some other illness. Usually a painless sore appears near or inside the vagina, the mouth or rectum. Often the sore or growth is not seen.

These sores may appear to heal by themselves, but the disease is still in the body. If left untreated your baby may suffer eye damage, dental and bone deformities, blindness, brain damage, or even die. The infection may also lead to miscarriage. Please follow your doctor's instructions carefully as untreated syphilis may lead to serious and permanent damage.

How would I know if I'm infected with genital warts ?

Dear Counsellor:

My partner was diagnosed with genital warts. How would I know if I'm infected with genital warts also?

Paul

Dear Paul:

In some cases it is difficult to know. Sometimes people do not notice warts or they may not have visible symptoms. In addition, they are often flesh-coloured and painless. Only rarely do they cause symptoms such as itching, pain or bleeding. Sometimes warts may be found during a physical in men or pelvic exam in women. You must see a doctor as soon as possible since your girlfriend tells you that she has genital warts.

Tell me, how do I wash a HIV/AIDS infected person's clothes?

Dear Counsellor:

My son has AIDS and he lives at home with me. I understand the basis information about transmission, but I am not clear about washing his clothes.

Mother

Dear Mother:

You can wash clothing and lining used by your son as you ordinarily would, (handwash, an automatic washing machine or dry clean). If stains due to blood, or semen, are present, soaking the clothes in cold water and using bleach may help to remove the stains. However, it is not necessary to add bleach to kill the virus.