Introduction

Pubic lice (phthirus pubis), also known as crabs, are tiny blood-sucking insects. They live in coarse human body hair, most commonly pubic hair, and cause itching and red spots.

The lice can also be found in:

* the eyelashes or eyebrows,
* hair on the abdomen or back, and
* facial hair, such as beards or moustaches.

Adult pubic lice are about 2mm long and are grey-brown in colour.

Pubic lice are caught through close contact with someone who has them. The most common way is during sexual contact. There is not enough evidence to say whether pubic lice can be transferred through items such as bedding or towels, although some experts think that it might be possible.

How common are pubic lice?

In 2006, the last year for which figures are available, there were 2,500 cases of pubic lice seen at sexual health (also known as genito-urinary medicine or GUM) clinics in the UK.

Pubic lice only affect humans and do not live on other animals. They can affect people of any age, but are most commonly found in young adults.

Outlook

The outlook is generally good. Pubic lice can usually be successfully treated with insecticide medicines available over-the-counter (OTC) in most pharmacies, or from a GP or GUM clinic. If pubic lice were caught through sexual contact, any current sexual partners and partners from the previous three months may need to be informed and treated.

If pubic lice are caught through sexual contact, it is recommended that tests are also done for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Symptoms of Pubic Lice

It can take one to three weeks after coming into contact with pubic lice before you notice any symptoms.

Itching

The most common symptom of pubic lice is itchy red spots. The itching is not caused by the bites from the lice, but by an allergy (hypersensitivity) to the louse saliva or faeces (stools).

It can take one to three weeks for itching to develop after the first infestation, and it will usually be worse at night.

Live lice and eggs

Adult pubic lice are about 2mm long (smaller than a match head). They are grey-brown in colour and have six legs. The two pairs of back legs are much larger and look like the pincer claws of a crab. They use these to grasp onto your hair. Pubic lice eggs are tiny, yellow-white ovals, which are stuck firmly to the base of your hairs.

You may be able to see live lice or eggs in coarse hair anywhere on your body, such as:

* in your pubic hair or the hair around your anus,
* in hair on your chest, abdomen or back,
* in your armpit hair,
* in your facial hair, such as moustaches and beards,
* along the edge of your scalp, or
* in your eyebrows or eyelashes.

If you find nits (empty eggshells), this does not necessarily mean that you still have an infestation.

Other symptoms

You may also notice the following symptoms:

* dark brown or black powder on your skin or in your underwear (this is louse droppings),
* blue spots on your skin where the lice are living, particularly on your thighs and lower abdomen (caused by bites from the lice),
* specks of blood in your underwear, if you have been scratching a lot, or
* nits (empty eggshells) that look like white oval dots attached to the base of your hairs.


To learn more about Pubic Lice the Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Complications and Prevention please visit the NHS website by clicking HERE