Pediculosis pubis: a surrogate marker for sexually transmitted diseases.

A review of all the patients diagnosed to have Pediculosis pubis (P pubis) during a 2 year period 1989-1991 was carried out. They constituted the index group and were compared with 140 consecutive patients seen during the month of June 1990, who served as controls. Both groups were comparable with respect to age and use of modern contraception. Coexisting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were found in 37% of the index group. Incidence of STDs was 51% among the controls. In the preceding 3 months, patients in the index group had significantly more sexual partners p < 0.005. These findings emphasize the need to offer full STD screening and health education to sexually active people who present with P pubis.