ONCE on the verge of extinction due to the near total deforestation of its natural habitat, British dermatologists believe reports of the demise of pithris pubis may be premature.
It appears that changing attitudes towards hair removal, climate change and the growing resistance to chemical treatments such as permethrin are contributing to the revival of the pubic louse.
British Association of Dermatologists spokesman, Matthew Gass, suggested the revival may not be all bad.
"There has been much speculation in the last two decades about pubic lice going the way of the dodo," he said.
"Frankly, I suspect that they would be missed rather less.
"That said, for all the talk of deforestation of their natural habitat, they have clung on.
"Although we are unlikely to ever truly eradicate this pest, it's arguable that the 'cure' is worse than the disease for most people.
"Issues stemming from waxing, and other methods of widespread pubic hair removal, such as ingrown hairs or skin irritation are more common than pubic lice are ever likely to be."
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