Can You Catch Crabs From A Toilet Seat

Crabs is the other name for the pubic lice. They are parasitic insects that tend to thrive on the skin and hairs of the genital parts of humans. The crabs are common infestations spread worldwide and infect about three million people in the U.S. annually. Their irritability can make one wonder whether can you catch crabs from a toilet seat. They usually feed on the human blood and are easily spread through sexual activities. Though they may be very uncomfortable, crabs are not responsible for any sexually transmitted disease (STD). Can you catch crabs from a toilet seat?

Pubic lice are parasites that cannot survive too far away from a warm body. Usually, after exposure to the toilet seat, they may die quickly. Additionally, the lice will not be able to hang on to the toilet seats' plain and smooth surfaces. Hence, unless under rare circumstances you cannot catch crabs from a toilet seat. That answers the question, “Can you catch crabs from a toilet seat?”

Though these crabs' common symptoms can be very itchy, getting infected with one does not mean you're dirty. Its infection is irrespective of cleanliness or hygiene as anyone with close contact can get it. You can quickly get rid of crabs and be free from the resulting conditions with over-the-counter medicines. So, you don’t have much to fret over whether can you catch crabs from a toilet seat.

As crabs are fond of living in pubic hair, they usually stay there until sexual intercourse occurs.  During sex, as the genitals touch, it allows them to get to the other person's body through the pubic parts. However, they can also reside in other parts of the body like chest hair, beards, eyebrows, armpits, and eyelashes. Any close exterior physical contact is enough to transmit the crabs from one person to another in such cases. It is okay to ask, “Can you catch crabs from a toilet seat?” However, asking about precautionary measures may prove more useful here.

There can be a common misunderstanding between head lice and pubic lice. Hence, it is necessary to make the distinction that crabs seldom like to stay on your head.  Similarly, the head lice, too, does not favor hanging around in the pubic parts.

If any itching in the genital area occurs, try to use a magnifying glass and look for the crabs yourself. The infection through crabs can also lead to low-grade fever, insufficient energy, and skin damage due to scratching. As a result, you can be more vulnerable to contracting infections like STDs in the affected spots.

 Sometimes pubic parts may show no signs of crabs. In such cases, abnormal itching may be a symptom of an STD infection. It is best to get yourself tested for STD to remove all doubts. However, if you find crabs then, you may consult your doctor for proper medications and treatment.  In the meantime, make sure to decontaminate your bed sheets, clothes, towels, and blankets.  We hope that now you know whether can you catch crabs from a toilet seat through this page.