Pubic lice
Pubic lice are tiny insects hat infect the pubic hair area and lay eggs. These lice can also be found in armpit hair and eyebrows.
Causes
Pubic lice are known as Phthirus pubis. They are found mostly in teenagers. Pubic lice are often spread during sexual activity.
Rarely, pubic lice can passed through contact with objects such as toilet seats, sheets, blankets, or bathing suits at a store.
Animals cannot spread lice to humans.
Other types of lice include:
You are at greater risk for public lice if you:
- Have many sexual partners
- Have sexual contact with an infected person
- Share bedding or clothing with an infected person
Symptoms
Pubic lice causes itching in the area covered by pubic hair. Itching often gets worse at night. The itching may start soon after getting infected with lice, or it may not start for up to 2 - 4 weeks after contact.
Other symptoms can include:
- Skin reaction that causes skin to turn bluish-gray in color
- Sores in the genital area due to bites and scratching
Exams and Tests
The health care provider will do an exam to look for:
- Small gray-white oval eggs (nits) attached to the hart shafts in the outer genital area. Adult lice may also be present.
- Scratch marks or signs of an infection, such as impetigo.
Because pubic lice may cause an eye infection (blepharitis) in young children, eyelashes should be viewed with a high-powered magnifying glass.
Adult lice may be easily identified under the microscope. Public lice are often referred to as "the crabs" because of their appearance.
Teenagers with pubic lice may need to be tested for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Treatment
MEDICINES
Pubic lice are best treated with a prescription wash containing permethrin, such as Elimite or Kwell:
- Thoroughly work the shampoo into dry pubic hair and surrounding area for at least 5 minutes.
- Rinse well.
- Comb the pubic hair with a fine-toothed comb to remove eggs (nits). Applying vinegar to pubic hair before combing may help loosen nits.
Most people need only 1 treatment. If a second treatment is needed, it should be done 4 days to 1 week later.
Over-the-counter medicines to treat lice include Rid and Nix. Malathione lotion is another option.
OTHER CARE
While you are treating pubic lice:
- Wash all clothing and bedding in hot water.
- Spray items that cannot be washed may be sprayed with a medicated spray that you can buy at the store. You can also seal items in plastic bags for 10 - 14 days to smother lice.
- Makes sure anyone with whom you have had sexual contact or shared a bed be treated at the same time.
People with pubic lice should be checked for other sexually-transmitted infections when lice are discovered.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The proper treatment, including thorough cleaning, should get rid of the lice.
Scratching can make the skin become raw, or even cause a skin infection.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:
- You or your sexual partner has symptoms of pubic lice
- You try over-the-counter lice treatments and they are not effective
- Your symptoms continue after treatment
Prevention
Avoid sexual or intimate contact with people you know have public lice until they have been treated.
Bathe or shower often and keep your bedding clean. Avoid trying on bathing suits while you are shopping. If you must try on swimwear, be sure to wear your underwear. This may prevent you from getting or spreading public lice.
Alternative Names
Pediculosis - pubic lice; Lice - pubic; Crabs
References
Burkhart CN, Burkhart CG, Morrell DS. Infestations. In: Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Schaffer JV, et al, eds.Dermatology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2012:chap 84.
Diaz JH. Lice (pediculosis). In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Mendell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa:Churchill Livingstone Elsevier;2009:chap 293.
Update Date: 11/20/2012
Updated by: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2013, A.D.A.M., Inc. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized in writing by ADAM Health Solutions.
