No Going Commando Here

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 16th February 09, 04:25 PM

Actually, pubic lice is the major problem with hired kilts. You are warned.

**Smayniac** · 16th February 09, 04:38 PM

I don't recall the same instruction when renting a tux and the "contact" would be more direct I would think. I do recall when I was "acting" (I work on the other side of the curtain these days) being instructed to wear underwear, shower and use deodorant before coming to a fitting or a show call, it's sort of common sense and courtesy, but the costumer always felt it needed to be stated.

Bob

**DWFII** · 16th February 09, 05:00 PM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

Actually, pubic lice is the major problem with hired kilts. You are warned.

Wouldn't that be a problem with or without small clothes?

**English Bloke** · 16th February 09, 05:26 PM

Originally Posted by MacMillan of Rathdown

Actually, pubic lice is the major problem with hired kilts. You are warned.

I know you're only taking the rise MoR but before you single handedly destroy the Kilt-hire industry with the doom-laden warning above and also for those that haven't twigged.

No it isn't. Pubic lice need a top-up blood meal at least once every 24hrs and without it they die so they are not inclined to leave their host unless it's to wander across directly to another host. They can't fly or jump so it's a somewhat pedentary existance. They attach their eggs to the hair they find(hence the name) and this is not the same as kilt wool. If it is, you're wearing one weird kilt. They will also settle in the underarms and sometimes the eyebrows

. That said, you are about as likely to catch pubic lice from a kilt as you are from a toilet seat and that's not likely either.

**English Bloke** · 16th February 09, 05:29 PM

The only way it's feasable is if the infected hirer steps out of the kilt and hands it to you to put on. I don't think that's likely. Other than that, pubic lice can't survive in clothes.

EDIT: I'll not bother elaborating on how I know these things but it's NOT what you're thinking.

**DWFII** · 16th February 09, 06:42 PM

You know a lot more about this than I do (and more than I care to know) but if this is true, why have bed sheets and so forth been historically suspect for so long?

Seems like a washing and an airing of more than 24 hours might eliminate all possibility of coming into acquaintance with such critters.

Or, are pubic lice different from common body lice?

Originally Posted by English Bloke

No it isn't. Pubic lice need a top-up blood meal at least once every 24hrs and without it they die so they are not inclined to leave their host unless it's to wander across directly to another host. They can't fly or jump so it's a somewhat pedentary existance. They attach their eggs to the hair they find(hence the name) and this is not the same as kilt wool. If it is, you're wearing one weird kilt. They will also settle in the underarms and sometimes the eyebrows

. That said, you are about as likely to catch pubic lice from a kilt as you are from a toilet seat and that's not likely either.

**English Bloke** · 16th February 09, 07:18 PM

Body lice are much more resilient than pubic lice or head lice. They feed differently and can live for more than a week away from the host. They are also quite happy living in clothing and bedding so transfer between hosts is easier. 'Hot bedding' is a common way to get them spread around. Situations like homeless hostels, grotty hotels or military guardrooms where blokes jump in and out of the same bed without changing the bedding are best. If you found live body lice in your hire Kilt, I'd definately be having a word but I reckon it's safe to say you won't catch crabs. Can we change the subject now, I'm starting to itch...

**BroosterB1** · 16th February 09, 07:41 PM

John, you know I knew that but until just now had successfully filed it under lock and key in a deep dark corner of my mind, but now thanks to your insightful recitation it's come back in full gory glory! Thank God for smallpox vaccine!

ith:

**English Bloke** · 16th February 09, 07:55 PM

Originally Posted by BroosterB1

John, ... it's come back in full gory glory! ...

I'm a health professional mate and have to deal with them from time to time. Not nice!

**David Dubh** · 16th February 09, 08:52 PM

I wouldn't dream of wearing any rental garment without my own undergarments (read boxers or shirt/under shirt) I suspect that the real problem here is the concern that those people who would go regimental are the ones that you wouldn't want to go regimental. That said the companies that are renting the kilt better be cleaning them. I wonder how much shorter the life span of a rental kilt becomes with all the cleaning???
Maybe if everyone bought kilts the cost would come don more. I for one intend to tryand do my part