Pubic lice

About pubic lice

Pubic lice, sometimes known as crabs, are tiny parasitic insects that live in coarse body hair. This is most commonly the pubic hair but the lice can also live on eyelashes, eyebrows, beards and moustaches and the hair on the chest and abdomen.

The female adult lays eggs (smaller than the size of a pin head) that are glued to the hair. These hatch after 6 to 10 days leaving behind empty shells, known as nits that look like white oval dots on the hair.

The most common way of spreading pubic lice is sexual contact. If you or your partner has several sexual partners you increase your chance of getting pubic lice. 

You can also catch pubic lice by having close but non-sexual contact with someone who has lice. For example, by kissing someone who has an infested beard or moustache.

Looking after yourself

If you think you have caught pubic lice from sexual contact, you should visit a sexual health (GUM) clinic so you can be checked for sexually transmitted infections(STIs). The staff there can also tell you about the various methods of removing pubic lice and how to avoid getting them again. Alternatively you can visit your own GP.

  • You cannot get rid of pubic lice by washing or shaving: the lice only need a minimal length of hair on which to lay their eggs.
  • There are insecticidal treatments available to treat yourself at home. You can get the lotion or cream on prescription from a sexual health (GUM) clinic or from your GP. Alternatively you can buy them over the counter from a pharmacy. Always speak with a doctor or pharmacist before using any lotion or cream.
  • Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using insecticidal products on yourself or someone else. Over zealous or repeated use of insecticidal products should be avoided as this may cause a secondary contact skin rash.
  • Try to avoid scratching the area as this may cause irritation of the skin. There are over the counter medicines that can relieve pain and itching. You should discuss these with a pharmacist.
  • To avoid the risk of injuring your eyes, you should not try to remove nits from your eyelashes. If your eyelashes are infested, treatment with a special eye ointment, shampoo or cream rinse will be recommended to avoid eye irritation.
  • To prevent re-infestation, people that you are in close contact with should be treated at the same time. This includes sexual partners and all members of your household, even if they are not yet showing any symptoms.
  • There isn't enough research to say whether pubic lice can be transferred through items such as clothing, bed linen, towels and toilet seats. However, you may wish to wash or clean such items thoroughly on a hot cycle (50°C) as a precaution.

Consider others

Reduce the risk of spreading pubic lice by:

  • Avoiding close body contact, including hugging and kissing, with anyone until treatment has worked and you are clear of lice.
  • Avoiding sexual contact until treatment has worked and you are clear of lice.
  • Ensuring that your sexual partner(s) have been informed and treated otherwise they may re-infest you or others.

Links

Embarrassing Problems
 Pubic lice (NHS Choices)
Which infections are sexually transmitted? (NHS Choices)
What should I do if I think I've got an STI? (NHS Choices)