About Pubic Lice

Pubic Lice conditions, Symptoms and Treatment in London

Pubic lice, which are also known as crabs, are parasitic insects in the genitals. This type of lice is different from body lice and hair lice. These tiny insects have a size of 1.6mm or less and got their nickname because their bodies are shaped like tiny crabs. Pubic lice is commonly spread from one person to the other through sexual activity. The spread of pubic lice differs in children and may be found in the eyelashes or eyebrows and may be a sign of sexual abuse. It is possible to get pubic lice from sharing personal items of an infected individual, such as towels, clothing or bedsheets.

These crabs feed on the blood of their host, and the bites can result in severe itching. Treatment for pubic lice includes using over-the-counter creams or lotions to kill their eggs and the parasite.

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What are the symptoms of pubic lice?

If you have pubic lice, the most common symptom is itching in your genital area. These crabs can spread to other body parts with coarse hair, such as:

Chest
Moustache or beard
Chest
Eyebrows or eyelashes (Mostly occur in children)
Armpits

When should I see a medical practitioner?

If you have pubic lice or notice the symptoms, it is advisable to seek the help of a medical practitioner. You should contact a doctor for medical advice if:

You are pregnant
You tried over-the-counter medications, but it didn’t work
You have infected skin abrasions as a result of scratching

What causes pubic lice?

The most common cause of pubic lice is transmission during sexual activities. It is also possible to get pubic lice if you share personal items of an infected person, such as blankets, sheets, towels and clothes.

Risk factors of pubic lice

There are a couple of factors that increase your risk of getting pubic lice, including:

Having sex with people who have sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Being sexually active
Sharing personal items, including clothing, bedding or towel
Having multiple sexual partners
If you have sex with a partner that has an infestation.

What are the complications of pubic lice?

If you have a pubic lice infestation, your healthcare provider may ask you to treat this infestation with a louse-killing gel or lotion. However, there are cases where this lice infestation can result in complications such as:

Eye irritation: This is more common in children. Children with pubic lice in the eyelashes may have a pink eye (conjunctivitis).
Secondary infections: Excessive itching from pubic lice bites can lead to wounds that can get infected.
Skin discolouration: You may notice pale blue spots when the lice continually feed on a spot.

How can I prevent pubic lice?

To prevent pubic lice, you should stop sharing personal items with anyone that might be infested. Also, do not have sexual contact with anyone who has pubic lice. If you are getting treated for pubic lice, inform your sexual partners also to get treated, as they are at risk of lice infestation.

Book an appointment

At STI Clinic UK, we offer confidential and quick STI testing. Visit our clinic today if you notice symptoms of pubic lice. Our team of experienced medical professionals will be glad to provide a diagnosis, suitable treatment and medical advice.