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PUBIC LICE: ‘Crabs’

Public lice are small parasitic insects found in the genital area. Infection is very common worldwide. They are often spread through sexual contact, and sometimes through bed linen and clothing. They cannot survive for long without body warmth, and so cannot be caught from toilet seats, as popular myth may have it. Animals do not have or spread pubic lice.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms are irritation and itching in the genital area, with visible nits (eggs) or crawling lice. They may occasionally be found in other areas of the body such as the armpits, eyebrows and eyelashes. Lice found on the head are not pubic lice. The lice go through three stages:

NIT: This is the egg, which is small and difficult to detect. They are ovular and light yellow or white, and can be found attached to the hair shaft.

NYMPH: This is the young hatched louse, which grows to adult size in about 7 days. It survives by feeding on blood.

ADULT: The adult louse is about a millimetre across, and has six legs. The two front legs are disproportionate, and resemble the pincers of a crab – hence the popular nickname.

TREATMENT

Treatment is usually carried out with a lice-killing shampoo, which is usually highly effective. There are also other prescription treatments such as Lindane and Malathion, which are usually used only if shampoo products have not been successful.

PLEASE NOTE:
The information provided is intended only as a general guide to provide an overview of the condition. It must not be relied upon for any medical purpose.
Symptoms can vary a great deal from person to person, and the symptoms for various conditions can be identical.  
We therefore advise strongly against any self-diagnosis or self treatment based on this information and indeed, as a general principle.

The identification and treatment of any condition should be conducted only by a medical professional after due consultation.

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