It is estimated that 10,000 species go extinct every year, however, the loss of some are mourned more than others. One species unlikely to be greatly missed is Pthirus pubis, otherwise known as the pubic louse. Much like the panda, pubic lice are being threatened with extinction due to the disappearance of their natural habitat. However this is due to deforestation of another kind – the increased popularity of ‘Brazilian waxing’.

In a presentation due to be given at the British Association of Dermatologists’ Annual Conference in Liverpool next week (8-11 July), researchers will hypothesise that the impetus behind this comprehensive approach to hair removal stems from an episode of the hit US TV show ‘Sex and the City’, first aired in 2000, which introduced an international audience to the practice.

The pubic louse has infested humans for thousands of years, with archaeologists discovering specimens in the UK as far back as the 1st century AD. The pubic louse evolved from its ancestor, the gorilla louse, about 3.3 million years ago and adapted to live in areas on the human body with a similar density of hair to that of the gorilla. Unfortunately this was a costly mistake, as a mere 3.3 million years later the international success of ‘Sex and the City’ has led to an unprecedented removal of this very hair.

A UK study showed a fourfold increase in its incidence, from 0.8% in 1954 to 3.2% in 1964, which may have been due to increased sexual freedom. However, from 1997 to 2003 a further UK study revealed a steep reduction in prevalence from about 0.41% to 0.17%. Similar observations have also been reported from sexual health specialists in Australia. A decrease in sexual activity could not have accounted for this, as the prevalence of other sexually transmitted diseases has increased.

Dr Kun Sen Chen, one of the authors of the presentation, said: ”Pubic hair removal has been practised by humans for thousands of years, by cultures from all over the world, including the Ancient Egyptians. However, until recently, with the rise of truly global mass media, pubic lice have been able to weather changing cultural attitudes to body hair.

“What we have seen at work is the law of unintended consequences, in popularising hair removal Carrie Bradshaw and co. have contributed to ridding humanity of pest that had plagued humans for millions of years. Sadly there isn’t an Emmy for that”.

Before giving all the plaudits to the writers of ‘Sex in the City’ it’s worth considering that other factors for the decline in pubic lice numbers could include the reluctance of patients to seek medical attention leading to self-treatment with over-the-counter insecticidal treatments, therefore causing a decline in recorded numbers.

The research is due to be released at the British Association of Dermatologists’ Annual Conference in Liverpool this week (July 8th – 11th).

-Ends-
Notes to editors:

If using this presentation, please ensure you mention that it was given at the British Association of Dermatologists’ Annual Conference.
The conference will be held at ACC Liverpool from July 9th to 11th 2013, and is attended by approximately 1,300 UK and worldwide dermatologists and dermatology nurses.

For more information please contact: Nina Goad, Head of Communications, 0207 391 6094 (or mobile 07825567717 during conference week only) or Deborah Mason, Communications Manager, Phone: 0207 391 6355, Email: comms@bad.org.uk, Website: www.bad.org.uk

Study details: “Why Pthirus pubis don’t watch Sex and the City”; K.S. Chen and P.D. Yesudian, Glan Clwyd Hospital, Bodelwyddan, U.K.

The British Association of Dermatologists is the central association of practising UK dermatologists. Our aim is to continually improve the treatment and understanding of skin disease.