Pubic lice (crabs)

Overview

Pubic lice are tiny crab-shaped insects that live in pubic hair and lay eggs on hairs.

They spread mainly through sex but can spread through bedding.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Itching in the pubic area
• Tiny bugs or eggs in pubic hair
• Genital itching

Less common

• Blue spots on skin

Look up a symptom: Genital itching · Tiny bugs or eggs in pubic hair

When to get medical care

Causes

Contact.

Does it spread or run in families?

• Yes, it can spread from person to person.
• How it spreads: sexual or close contact.
• Condoms lower the risk. Sex partners should be tested and treated too.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis by looking.

Treatment

Treat.

Self-care

• Use lice lotion
• Wash bedding hot
• Comb out nits
• Repeat treatment in 9 to 10 days

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Limit partners

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• You can go to school and work as usual.
• Don't have sex until you and your partners finish treatment and your doctor says it's OK.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Partners: Should be treated at the same time.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Some skin medicines, like isotretinoin and retinoid creams, aren't safe in pregnancy.
• Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Curable.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Should I be tested for other STIs?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Pubic lice (crabs)