HEALTH EDUCATION

Pubic lice (crabs)

What it is
Pubic or crab lice are tiny insects found in the genital area of humans. They attach themselves tightly to hair strands, hatch from nits (eggs), and feed on human blood. The bites cause severe itching.

Symptoms include:

• intense itching in the genitals or anus

• mild fever

• feeling run-down

• irritability

• lice or small egg sacks — nits — in pubic hair

How it's spread
Pubic lice are most often spread through sexual contact.
Infestation can sometimes be spread through contact with an infested person’s bedding, towels, or clothes.

How it's treated
Pubic lice are easily killed with a lice shampoo, available without a prescription at drug stores. A fine-toothed comb (usually included with the shampoo) must be used after treatment to remove the nits.

Items like clothes, towels, and bedding must also be treated, sterilized, or sealed away with no contact for at least two weeks.

How it’s prevented
Pubic lice are highly contagious and there is no protection except for limiting the number of intimate and sexual contacts.

What it does
Bites cause intense itching, and scratching can cause secondary infections. Untreated, infestations recur and spread to others.

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