Pubic lice

What are pubic lice?

Pubic lice (Phthirus pubis), a type of blood-sucking lice that favor the pubic area, although they can be found anywhere on the body. They are small, light-brown, flat, and have crab-like claws that allow them to hold on tightly to hairs, hence why they are commonly known as crabs.

Causes

Pubic lice are spread directly through sexual contact, or indirectly through towels, underwear or bedding of someone who has them. They are not spread by animals.

They are found worldwide and affect people of all races and ethnic groups. Although they do not spread disease, sometimes a secondary bacterial infection can occur as a result of scratching the skin.

In a single month, female lice can lay dozens of eggs (nits), which hatch around eight days after being laid.

Pubic lice are a type of lice found in the pubic area. 

Signs and symptoms

The main symptom of having pubic lice is itching in the genital area. Other parts of the body, such as the armpits, can also itch if lice are present. However, pubic lice are not usually found on the head. There may also be bluish spots on the skin in places where the lice have fed repeatedly.

Methods for diagnosis

You may be able to see the pubic lice yourself, or your doctor may look at your genital area to check for lice or their eggs.

Types of treatment

Pubic lice are treated with a lotion or cream, such as permethrin or pyrethrum, which is applied directly to the skin. The skin should be dry when the creams are applied and the directions followed carefully. Shaving pubic hair is not required.

It is recommended that this treatment be reapplied after seven days, as some eggs may not have died in the first treatment.

Sometimes the lice can also attach to the eyelashes, where harsh creams shouldn't be used; instead, petroleum jelly can be used to help loosen the lice when pulling them off.

Abstaining from sex until seven days after you have finished your treatment will help make sure you don't pass pubic lice onto others. It's a good idea to tell your sexual partner/s so they can also get treated, although they may have already noticed themselves.

Also, isolate clothes, towels and bed linen and launder as usual, the day after first treatment.

Prevention

Washing any clothing and towels in hot water helps prevent the return of pubic lice.