Pubic lice (crabs)

Description

Pubic lice, commonly called crabs, are tiny insects found in the genital area. They are a different type of louse from head lice and body lice. Measuring 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) or less, pubic lice received their nickname because their bodies resemble tiny crabs.

The most common form of pubic lice is through sexual activity. In children, pubic lice may be found in their eyebrows or eyelashes and can be a sign of sexual abuse. However, it may be possible to catch pubic lice after sharing clothing, bed linens, or towels with an infected person.

Pubic lice feed on their blood, and their bites can cause severe itching. The treatment includes the application of over-the-counter creams and lotions that kill the parasites and their eggs.

Symptoms

If you have pubic lice (crabs), you may experience intense itching in your genital region. Pubic lice can be spread to other areas with the thick hair on the body, including:

  • Legs
  • In the chest
  • Armpits
  • Beard or mustache
  • The eyelashes or the eyebrows, more commonly in children

When to see a doctor

Please consult with your doctor about pubic lice treatment if:

  • Over-the-counter products don't kill the lice
  • You're pregnant
  • Have any infected abrasions of the skin by scratching

Causes

Pubic lice are most commonly spread during sexual activity. You also can get pubic lice from infested bed sheets, blankets, towels or clothes.

Risk factors

People who have other sexually transmitted infections are more likely to have pubic lice.

Complications

The infestation of pubic lice can usually be treated with a lice-killing lotion or gel. However, an infestation of pubic lice, sometimes leading to complications such as:

  • The coloration of the skin. Pale blue spots may develop, where the pubic lice have been feeding continuously.
  • Secondary infections. If the itching from lice bites cause you to scratch yourself raw, these wounds can become infected.
  • Irritation of the eyes. Children who have pubic lice on their lashes can develop a type of pink eye (conjunctivitis).

Prevention

To prevent the infestation of pubic lice, avoid sexual contact or by sharing bedding or clothing with someone who has an infestation. If you are receiving treatment for pubic lice, all sexual partners should also be treated.

Pubic lice (crabs)

Diagnosis

You or your doctor can confirm an infestation of pubic lice through a visual examination of your pubic area. The presence of moving lice confirms the infestation.

Head lice eggs (nits) can also indicate an infestation. However, nits stick to the hair and be present, although no longer alive, even after a successful treatment.

Treatment

If over-the-counter lotions, or shampoos that have 1% permethrin (Nix) or pyrethrin don't kill your pubic lice, your doctor may prescribe stronger treatments, such as:

  • Malathion. You apply this recipe as a lotion on the affected area and wash it after eight to 12 hours.
  • Ivermectin (Stromectol). This medication is taken as a single dose of two tablets, with an option to take another dose in 10 days if the treatment is not effective initially.
  • Lashes and brows treatments.If pubic lice are found on the eyelashes and the eyebrows, you can try carefully applying petroleum jelly with a cotton swab into the night and wash it in the morning. This treatment may need to be repeated several weeks and can irritate the eyes if used incorrectly. If only a few live lice and nits are found, you may be able to remove the use of a comb or with your fingernails. If additional treatment is needed, your doctor may prescribe a topical ointment.

Lashes and brows treatments. If pubic lice are found on the eyelashes and the eyebrows, you can try carefully applying petroleum jelly with a cotton swab into the night and wash it in the morning. This treatment may need to be repeated several weeks and can irritate the eyes if used incorrectly.

If only a few live lice and nits are found, you may be able to remove the use of a comb or with your fingernails. If additional treatment is needed, your doctor may prescribe a topical ointment.

All hairy areas of the body must be carefully evaluated and treated because lice can move away from the treated areas to other hairy parts of the body. Shaving does not get rid of pubic lice.

Self-care

You can get rid of pubic lice on a patient, thorough approach that consists in cleansing itself and the personal objects that may be contaminated.

These steps can help you to eliminate head lice infestation:

  • The use of lotions and shampoos. Choose from several over-the-counter creams and shampoos (Nix, other) designed to kill head lice. Apply the product according to the instructions. It may be necessary to repeat treatment in seven to 10 days.
  • Wash contaminated items. Wash all bedding, clothing, and towels used in the two days prior to treatment. Use hot, soapy water — at least 130 F (54 C) and dry from the elements at high heat for at least 20 minutes.
  • Dry clean or seal unwashable items. If you can't wash an item, it has to be cleaned in dry or place it in an airtight bag for up to two weeks.

Preparing for your appointment

If you can not get rid of pubic lice on your own, you may need to talk with your family doctor.

What you can do

Before the appointment, you can write a list that answers the following questions:

  • How long have you had pubic lice?
  • What symptoms do you have?
  • How did you come to be infested?
  • Has been sexually active or shared sheets or towels already to notice pubic lice?
  • What treatments have you tried?
  • Do you have any chronic health problems?
  • What types of medications or supplements you take?

What to expect from your doctor

During the physical exam, your doctor will examine your genital area for signs of lice or viable eggs of head lice (nits).

The symptoms and treatment of Pubic lice (crabs)