Pubic lice
Pubic lice (Phthirus pubis), also referred to as crabs, are small, flat parasitic insects that are crab-like in shape and light tan to grey in appearance.
Pubic lice are mostly found in the pubic or genital area. They do not usually infect head hair, however, they are sometimes found on coarse hair elsewhere on the body, including eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, torso and armpits.
Symptoms
Not all people will have symptoms, so you may not know that you have pubic lice. However, the most common symptom of pubic lice is itchiness in the affected area. The itchiness is often worse at night-time when the lice are more active and feeding.
Other symptoms can include:
- visible lice
- visible nits (eggs) which appear as small light brown sacks and look like poppy seeds stuck to the base of the hair
- skin irritation and redness.
How public lice is spread
Pubic lice are usually spread through skin-to-skin contact during sex. Occasionally, they may spread by close contact with clothing, bed linens, or towels that someone with pubic lice has used.
While pubic lice can be irritating, they cause no serious harm. However, getting tested for other sexually transmissible infections (STIs) is always a good idea if you engage in skin-to-skin or unprotected sex.
Although condoms are essential for safe sex, they do not provide protection against pubic lice.
Diagnosis
Pubic lice are diagnosed by inspecting the affected area. Nits are often easier to see than lice. See a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment if you are unsure if you have pubic lice or have engaged in sex with someone who has pubic lice, see a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment
Pubic lice can be treated by using a permethrin based topical cream or lotion on the affected areas. Depending on the level of infestation and amount of body hair, some creams and lotions will need to be used on the entire body.
It is important to use only creams or lotions as prescribed or advised by a medical professional or pharmacist, and always carefully read and follow the
instructions on the label. The treatment does not work on unhatched eggs, so it will need to be repeated 1-2 weeks later to treat any new lice.
It is also important to wash and use a dryer (on the hottest cycle) or dry clean clothes, towels, and bedding to kill any remaining lice or nits.
For further advice, see your doctor, pharmacist or sexual health centre.
Sexual partners
If you have had sex with anyone within the past month, you should let them know so they can be examined and treated for pubic lice. Treat current sexual partners at the same time you receive treatment.
Prevention
You should:
- avoid having sex until you and your partner or partners have been treated
- avoid sharing bedding or clothing with anyone who has pubic lice
- wash clothing, towels, and bedding and use a dryer on the hottest cycle following an infection.
Acknowledgements
- Better Health Channel. Pubic lice (crabs). Retrieved 29 November 2021.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pubic "Crab" Lice. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
- Government of Western Australia Department of Health. Pubic lice. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
- Melbourne Sexual Health Centre. Pubic lice treatment guidelines. Retrieved 29 November 2021.
- Victorian Sexual Health Network. Pubic lice. Retrieved 26 November 2021.