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What is it? Pubic lice are tiny insects that live on and around pubic hair, underarm hair, eyelashes and eyebrows. These lice lay egg sacs (nits) which are deposited in clumps near the hair roots. Every year, millions of people treat themselves for pubic lice. Pubic lice are also called "crabs". Itching usually begins five days after infestation begins. Some people don't itch and don't know they are infested. The only protection against becoming infested with pubic lice is to limit the number of intimate and sexual contacts.
How is it spread? Pubic lice are spread through intimate and sexual contact. It is also possible to become infested through contact with infected bedding, clothing, towels, upholstered furniture, and toilet seats.Testing for pubic lice is done through visual examination. Seen with the naked eye or with a magnifying glass, pubic lice look like tiny crabs. They are pale gray but darken in color when swollen with blood. They attach themselves and their eggs to pubic hair, underarm hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows. Their eggs are white and are deposited in small clumps near the hair roots. If lice are suspected, many healthcare facilities will advise self-treatment rather than an exam to prevent infestation of the clinic facility.
Symptoms may include:
intense itching in the genitals or anus
mild fever
feeling run down
irritability
lice or small egg sacks (nits) in pubic hair
How is it treated? Pubic lice are easily treated with over-the-counter medications. Some of the brands available are A-200®, RID®, and InnoGel® Plus. Repeated head-to-toe applications may be necessary. Pregnant and breastfeeding women and infants must use products especially designed for them, like Eurax®. Everyone who may have been exposed to pubic lice should be treated at the same time. All bedding, towels, and clothing that may have been exposed should be thoroughly washed or dry cleaned and the home should be vacuumed.
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