Pubic lice


What are pubic lice?

Pubic lice or crabs are properly known as Phthirus pubis. Pubic lice are commonly referred to as “crabs” because of their short, broad body (about 1mm), and large front claws.

How do you get pubic lice?


Where do pubic lice live and how do they grow?

The lice are most often found within the pubic hair but pubic lice can spread to other hairy parts of the body including armpit, beard, chest hair and thigh hair. Eyelashes can also be infested. The large claws of pubic lice allow them to grasp onto coarser pubic hairs in the groin, perianal, and axillary areas. Like other human lice they use their mouthparts to suck blood for nutrition and at the same time inject a saliva that causes itching. Pubic lice cannot survive more than one day without feeding off their human host.


What is the treatment for pubic lice?

Pubic lice are killed by insecticides. The insecticides usually contain maldison/malathion, permethrin, or a pyrethrin. Topical ivermectin has been used effectively off-label.

Typically, an insecticide cream is applied directly to the skin and hair and lathered up like shampoo. A small portion may be absorbed into the body and for this reason it is important to follow the manufacturer's advice on duration of treatment. If you have pubic lice, note the following:

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