Condition Basics

What are pubic lice?

Pubic lice are tiny insects that can live in your pubic area. Sometimes they're found on facial hair, eyelashes, eyebrows, armpits, chest hair, and the scalp. But they're different than head lice or body lice. Pubic lice are often called "crabs" because they look like tiny crabs.

Pubic lice eggs (nits) look like tiny yellow or white dots attached to pubic hair, close to the skin. They may be easier to see than live lice. Nits can look like dandruff. But you can't brush them away.

Millions of people get pubic lice every year. It doesn't mean you're not clean.

Pubic lice are usually spread through sexual contact. But sometimes they can spread through shared clothes, bedding, or towels. Pubic lice can't live long away from a human body. And they can't live on smooth surfaces.

Pubic lice can be uncomfortable, but they're not dangerous.

What are the symptoms?

Pubic lice usually cause itching around the genitals, anus, armpits, eyelashes, or other body parts with hair. But not everyone has itching.

The bites from the lice can cause small, flat marks on your torso, thighs, or upper arms. These marks can look like bruises. They can last for several months, even after the lice have been killed.

If you have lice in your eyelashes, your eyes can get crusty or irritated.

How are pubic lice treated?

Pubic lice won't go away without treatment.

There are several over-the-counter medicines that kill pubic lice. Most of them are creams or shampoos. There are also prescription medicines. Each type of medicine is a little different, so it's important to follow the directions carefully. Your doctor or pharmacist can answer any questions you may have.

If the lice are in your eyelashes, talk to your doctor about how to treat it.

You may need to repeat treatment if you still have live lice after the first treatment.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Use the medicine, body lotion, or shampoo that your doctor recommends. Use the treatment exactly as directed. Some medicines need just one treatment. Others require follow-up treatments.
• Check the area again 7 to 10 days after the first treatment. If you find live lice, you may need a second treatment. This is to make sure all lice are killed, including those that hatched since the first treatment.
• Make sure to get tested for other sexually transmitted infections.
• Try not to scratch. Use an over-the-counter anti-itch cream to calm the itching. If the itching is really bad, ask your doctor about an over-the-counter antihistamine. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• If you want to remove nits after treatment, use a special comb. The combs are often packaged with over-the-counter lice shampoos. You can also shave the affected hair.

How can you help prevent pubic lice?

• Machine-wash bedding, towels, and clothes in hot water (at least 130°F [54.4°C]). Dry them in a hot dryer. If you don't have access to a washing machine or if the items can't be washed or dried, store these items in a sealed plastic bag for 14 days.
• Vacuum your home, including mattresses. You don't have to do other special deep cleaning.
• Avoid sexual contact until you've successfully treated the lice.
• Tell all your sex partners from the last month that you have pubic lice. Talking about this may be uncomfortable. But it will help prevent you from spreading the lice back and forth.