What is crabs or pubic lice

Pubic lice infestations pthiriasis are usually spread through sexual contact. Dogs, cats, and other pets do not play a role in the transmission of human pubic lice. Both over-the-counter and prescription medications are available for treatment of pubic lice infestations. The vernacular name comes from their crab like claws and body shape. Contact Us. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link.

Persons infested with pubic lice should be investigated for the presence of other sexually transmitted diseases. Although pubic lice and nits can be large enough to be seen with the naked eye, a magnifying lens may be necessary to find lice or eggs. This information is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health care provider.

If you have any questions about the parasites described above or think that you may have a parasitic infection, consult a health care provider. Contact Us. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Section Navigation.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Minus Related Pages. On This Page What are pubic lice? What do pubic lice look like? Where are pubic lice found? What are the signs and symptoms of pubic lice?

How did I get pubic lice? How is pubic lice infestation diagnosed? How is a pubic lice infestation treated? In children, pubic lice may be found in the eyebrows or eyelashes and can be a sign of sexual abuse.

However, it may be possible to catch pubic lice after sharing clothing, bedsheets or towels with an infected person. Pubic lice feed on your blood, and their bites can cause severe itching.

Treatment includes applying over-the-counter creams and lotions that kill the parasites and their eggs. If you have pubic lice crabs , you may experience intense itching in your genital region. Pubic lice can spread to other areas with coarse body hair, including the:. Pubic lice are most commonly spread during sexual activity. You may also get pubic lice from infested sheets, blankets, towels or clothes. Pubic lice infestations can usually be treated with a louse-killing lotion or gel.

However, a pubic lice infestation sometimes leads to complications such as:. To prevent pubic lice infestation, avoid having sexual contact or sharing bedding or clothing with anyone who has an infestation. If you are being treated for pubic lice, all sexual partners also must be treated.