What is the difference between mites and pubic lice?

Generally, pubic mites and pubic lice are two types of tiny parasitic organisms that infest pubic hair, with differences mainly体现在 their size, mode of movement, parasitic sites, transmission routes, and treatment methods. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Size: Pubic mites are only about 0.3 mm in length, appearing as translucent ovals visible only under magnification; adult pubic lice measure approximately 1–2 mm, are dorsoventrally flattened, grayish-brown in color, and visible to the naked eye. Their eggs appear as white granules tightly attached to the hair shaft, making them clearly distinguishable.

2. Mode of Movement: Pubic mites move slowly at night and hide in hair follicle openings during the day, feeding on sebum and rarely leaving the skin surface. In contrast, pubic lice use hook-like claws to move quickly along hair shafts. They cannot survive more than 24 hours off the human body and have a broader range of activity.

3. Parasitic Sites: Pubic mites primarily reside deep within hair follicles but may also inhabit areas such as the armpits, chest hair, and eyebrows. Pubic lice mainly infest pubic hair, perianal hair, and axillary hair, occasionally affecting eyelashes, but rarely invade facial hair follicles, resulting in a relatively limited distribution.

4. Transmission Routes: Pubic mites spread indirectly through prolonged sharing of bedding, towels, or clothing, with sexual contact not being the primary route. Pubic lice, however, are primarily transmitted through sexual contact, though they can also spread via shared personal items such as clothing, razors, or sofa cushions, leading to faster transmission.

5. Treatment Methods: For pubic mites, topical acaricidal creams combined with sulfur soap bathing are required. Underwear should be replaced and scalded daily for two consecutive weeks, and cohabitants should receive simultaneous treatment. For pubic lice, first remove the infested hair by shaving, then apply pediculicidal lotion. Re-examination should be conducted after seven days. The environment must be treated with insecticide spray and sealed for 72 hours.

Maintaining dryness and ventilation in the genital area, avoiding sharing personal items, having a fixed sexual partner, and undergoing regular check-ups can reduce the risk of cross-infection by both parasites.