Pubic Lice

Commonly called “crabs”. pubic lice are parasites . . . microscopic insects usually found in the genital area on pubic hair

Pubic lice are mainly spread though sexual contact. Although less common, a person can become exposed to pubic lice through contact with contaminated (infected) person’s linens, clothing, etc.

Symptoms of pubic lice include:

  Itching in the genital area

  Visible lice or lice eggs (“nits”) on your body

Pubic lice are easily treated with a    lice-killing shampoo.  These shampoos can be purchased without a prescription in your local drug store.

To treat pubic lice effectively:

  Follow the directions on medication bottle

  Machine wash all clothing and linens in hot water

  Dry clean anything that is not machine washable

Once you discover you have pubic lice, it is important that you advise all sexual partners to check for pubic lice.  Do not have sex until the pubic lice are cleared.

Prescription medication is available for difficult to treat pubic lice.

Source:  www.cdc.gov