Pubic Lice (Crabs)
Pubic lice are tiny parasitic insects that live in coarse body hair, such as pubic hair and underarm hair. They are yellow-grey and about 2mm long. They are commonly called ‘crabs’ because they have a crab-like appearance. Pubic lice only affect humans and do not live on other animals. People of any age can get them, but are most commonly found in young adults.
How do you catch crabs?
Catching crabs is quite common and has nothing to do with poor hygiene. The pubic lice are easily passed from one person to another through close body contact or sexual contact.
Symptoms
Pubic lice are very small and difficult to see, so you may not notice them at all. What you may notice is:
• Itching in the affected areas
• Black powdery droppings from the lice in underwear
• Brown eggs on pubic or other body hair
• Irritation and inflammation in the affected area, sometimes caused by scratching
• Sky-blue spots (which disappear within a few days) or very tiny specks of blood on the skin
Treatment
Tests are free on the NHS. Testing can be done at your GPs, a GUM or sexual health clinic. Treatment involves using a special cream and/or shampoo.
If you test positive for crabs, as well as using the cream/shampoo, wash clothing and bedding on a hot cycle (50°C or higher) to kill the lice and prevent re-infection. You do not need to shave off pubic or other body hair.
