Pubic Lice
More commonly known as ‘crabs’, pubic lice are tiny insects that live in body hair.
How are they caught?
Pubic lice are not linked to poor personal hygiene; they are spread through close body contact with someone who has them. They cannot jump or fly, but they crawl from hair to hair. They do not live on animals. They are most commonly passed on through intimate sexual contact, and condoms will not prevent them being passed from one person to another. It is also possible for lice to spread through sharing clothes, towels and bedding.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of pubic lice is itchy skin that can cause red spots from scratching. You may also notice dark brown/black powder on your skin or in your underwear. Blue spots may also appear on your skin where the lice have been living, this is caused by bites from the lice.
Testing
A doctor/nurse can diagnose pubic lice by examination. You may be able to see them yourself, moving about your body hair.
Testing for other sexually transmitted infections is also recommended.
Treatment
Treatment for pubic lice is with insecticidal cream or lotion.
Treatment of sexual partners is also recommended.
NHS Inform - Pubic Lice
