Pubic lice (crabs)

About pubic lice

Pubic lice (or crab lice or crabs) can infest pubic hair around our genitals.

They can sometimes affect hair on other parts of the body including the armpit, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard and torso. They usually do not infect head hair.

Pubic lice infection is also called pediculosis pubis and the lice are called phthirus pubis.

Pubic lice are small, flat, light-brown parasites that cling to pubic hair and suck blood for nourishment. Blood sucking from pubic lice can cause small red areas or sores and itching.

Some people who have pubic lice or crabs don't experience symptoms.

Images of pubic lice and pubic louse, courtesy DermNet

How public lice spread

Pubic lice are usually transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. However, they can also be spread by contact with towels, underwear and bedding of an infected person.

Lice infestation causes no serious harm, but can be irritating. If you have pubic lice, it is a good idea to get tested for other sexually transmissible infections (STIs).

Pubic lice symptoms

The main symptom is itching of the affected area, which is often worse at night.

Some people have no symptoms and may be unaware that they have pubic lice.

Lice, lice eggs and nits (empty eggshells) can sometimes be seen. They may be stuck to pubic hairs.

Diagnosing pubic lice

Pubic lice are diagnosed by careful inspection of the affected area.

Pubic lice treatment

Topical creams or lotions are used to treat the pubic lice:

• Apply the cream or lotion to the area affected by pubic lice.
• The cream or lotion can be washed off after 20 minutes.
• It is important to wash clothing, bedding and towels at the same time. A washing machine and dryer is suitable.
• Shaving pubic hair can also be helpful.
• Sometimes, a second treatment may be needed one week later.
• Avoid close personal contact until you and your sexual contacts or partners are treated.

Symptoms may take a few days to settle. If you still have symptoms one week after treatment, see your doctor for review.

General practitioners (GPs), pharmacists and sexual health centres can provide further advice about treatment.

Note: Do not apply treatment to your eyelashes. If your eyelashes are affected, discuss alternative treatment with your doctor.

Sexual partners should be treated for pubic lice

Any sexual partners you have had over the past month need to be examined and treated.

Current sexual partners should be treated at the same time as you are.

Condoms (including internal condoms) do not protect you against pubic lice.

Where to get help

• Your GP (doctor)
• Your pharmacist
• Sexual Health Victoria (SHV). To book an appointment call SHV Melbourne CBD Clinic: (03) 9660 4700 or call SHV Box Hill Clinic: (03) 9257 0100 or (free call): 1800 013 952. These services are youth friendly.
• Melbourne Sexual Health Centre Tel. (03) 9341 6200 or 1800 032 017.
• Victorian Sexual Health Network – where to get tested – visit Melbourne Sexual Health Centre's GP partner clinics for STI check-ups and treatment
• Thorne Harbour Health (formerly Victorian AIDS Council) Tel. (03) 9865 6700 or 1800 134 840
• Ballarat Community Health Sexual Health Clinic Tel. (03) 5338 4500
• Bendigo Community Health Sexual Health Clinic Tel. (03) 5434 4300 Or (03) 5448 1600
• Gateway Health Clinic 35, Wodonga Tel. (02) 6022 8888 or 1800 657 573
• Sunraysia Community Health Services Tel. (03) 5022 5444
• Barwon Health Sexual Health Clinic Tel. (03) 5226 7489
• Women's sexual and reproductive health hubs (throughout Victoria)
• Victorian Aboriginal Health Service Tel. (03) 9419 3000
• 1800MyOptions Tel. 1800 696 784 is a statewide phone service for information about sexual health as well as contraception and pregnancy options