How do you catch them?
Pubic lice are sometimes called crabs. They live in coarse body hair, such as pubic hair, but can also live in underarm hair, on hairy legs and chests and occasionally in beards, eyebrows and eyelashes.
They're yellow-grey in colour, measure about 2mm long and have large, crab-like claws with which they fasten themselves to hair.
Pubic lice are easily passed on through sexual contact, or through close physical contact.
- they crawl from hair to hair; they don't fly or jump
- the eggs of the lice can survive away from the body for up to 24 hours, so it's possible for them to be passed on by sharing clothes, bedding or towels
- pubic lice are different to head lice
You can't catch pubic lice from sharing cups, plates or cutlery, or from toilet seats or swimming pools.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms are noticed about five days to several weeks after infection. They include:
- itchy skin or inflammation of the affected area
- black powder (lice droppings) in underwear
- brown eggs on the hair
- occasionally, visible lice and eggs
- spots of blood are sometimes seen as lice feed from blood vessels close to the surface of the skin
Testing and treatment
Tests for pubic lice are simple and include:
- a physical examination by a doctor or nurse
- a medical history being taken
- lice being examined under a microscope
Pubic lice are easily treated. Special shampoos, creams or lotions are used to kill the lice and their eggs. You do not need to shave off pubic hair.
The itching or rash may continue after treatment and take a few weeks to clear up. A lotion to calm the skin may help with this.
Pubic lice don't cause any serious long-term health problems. However, to avoid re-infection, any sexual partners should be treated too. Clothes and bedding should also be washed.
Sex and all close contact should be avoided until treatment has been completed and the lice and their eggs have gone.
Where to go for help and advice
You can talk to your GP or go to a genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic. Such clinics diagnose and treat all STIs for free. They're completely confidential and your GP won't be informed without your consent. You can go to any clinic in the country for advice or treatment.
How to avoid STIs
1. Before you have sex, talk to your partner about how to protect yourselves.
2. A male or female condom can provide protection from most STIs if used correctly every time you have sex.
3. Become familiar with how to use condoms and have a supply ready.
4. Seek advice straight away if you think you've been at risk.
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