Pubic Lice (Crabs): Bites, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Pubic Lice (Crabs): Bites, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Itchy pubic area? It might be more than just a rash; pubic lice, also known as crabs, are tiny insects that live in coarse body hair. Though it's uncomfortable and humiliating for many, it's actually rather common and easily treatable. They do not indicate poor hygiene. Anyone with close physical contact, sexual or nonsexual, can get them.

The article covers pubic lice bites, their symptoms, how they are transmitted, treatment, some preventive tips, and when one should seek medical attention.

What Are Pubic Lice (Crabs)?

Pubic lice are small, parasitic insects that survive by feeding on human blood. Unlike head lice or body lice, pubic lice have claw-like legs adapted to gripping coarse hair. They are most commonly found in the pubic region, but can also affect:

  • Underarm hair
  • Chest hair
  • Beard and moustache
  • Eyebrows and eyelashes
  • These lice do not dwell on the scalp; head lice are a different species entirely.

Pubic Lice Symptoms

The bites of pubic lice can cause an allergic reaction that creates itching and irritation. Pubic lice symptoms may appear within several days, but at times it may take weeks.

Common Symptoms:

  • Intense itching in the pubic region, especially at night
  • White/grey lice are visible and/or small oval-shaped eggs (nits) attached to hair shafts
  • Blue-grey bite marks or red bumps on the skin
  • Soreness or infection resulting from excessive scratching

The bites from pubic lice can be confused with razor burn, fungal infections, or eczema, but the presence of nits and itching that is persistent at night makes them different.

Also Read: Improve Vaginal Health with Best Foods & Vitamins

How Do You Get Pubic Lice?

The most frequent mode of transmission is sexual contact since lice crawl from one individual’s hair to that of another.

Nonsexual transmission can also occur, including:

  • Sharing towels, clothes, or bedsheets
  • Sleeping in the same bed
  • Close body contact with an infested person

Can you get Crabs (Public Lice) without being sexually active?

Yes. Pubic lice can be spread through contaminated fabrics and by close nonsexual contact. They are unable to jump or fly but can crawl for short distances. They only survive 1–2 days away from human skin, so transmission via toilet seats is very unlikely.

How to Diagnose Pubic Lice

Diagnosis typically involves:

  • Visual examination of hair using a magnifying glass
  • Checking for lice with a fine-tooth comb
  • A doctor examining lice or eggs under a microscope
  • Nits are sometimes easier to see than active lice because they adhere tightly to hair shafts.

Also Read: How You Can Maintain Your Sexual Health

Pubic Lice Treatment

Treatment of pubic lice is not complicated, but must be carefully done if reinfection is to be avoided.

Medicated Creams or Shampoos

Common treatments include:

  • Over-the-counter permethrin creams
  • Pyrethrin-based shampoos
  • Prescription medications such as malathion or ivermectin for stubborn cases

Avoid using these products on eyelashes. Instead, seek medical advice.

Clean Fabrics Thoroughly

  • Wash all clothing, towels, and bed linens used in the last 2–3 days
  • Use hot water above 50°C
  • Dry on high heat
  • Items which cannot be washed can be sealed in a bag for 72 hours.

Also Read: Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Treat All Sexual Partners

Anyone that you have been in close contact with should be treated at the same time, to stop the cycle repeating itself.

Abstain from Sexual Relations

Avoid intimate contact until you are fully treated and free of lice.

Repeat After 7–10 Days

This ensures that newly hatched lice are eliminated as well.

Also Read: Vaginal Rejuvenation: The Route To Painless Happiness

Prevention Tips

To lower your risk:

  • Avoid sharing towels, undergarments, or bed linens.
  • Maintain hygiene during sexual activity
  • Regularly wash bedding
  • Do self-checks if sexually active with multiple sexual partners

What makes Cloudnine special?

At Cloudnine, your comfort, privacy, and well-being come first; the same goes for sensitive conditions like pubic lice. Due to this, our specialists offer confidential consultations, accurate diagnoses, and evidence-based treatment attuned to your symptoms. 

With compassionate care, safe facilities, and expert dermatologists and gynaecologists, Cloudnine makes sure that you get timely relief and the right guidance to avoid getting infected in the future. Be it persistent itching, skin irritation, or uncertainty regarding signs and symptoms, you can always rely on Cloudnine for trusted and comprehensive support.

Common Myths About Pubic Lice

  • Myth: Only people with poor hygiene get crabs

Fact: Lice can affect anyone

  • Myth: You can get pubic lice from animals

Fact: They only live on humans

  • Myth: Crabs can jump or fly

Fact: They crawl from hair to hair

Book an online appointment with Dr. Amrutha Neelaiah for Pregnancy & Gynecology related issues.

When to Seek Medical Care?

Seek medical care if:

  • Itching persists despite treating it
  • You have swelling, pus, or other signs of a skin infection
  • Lice spread to eyelashes or other areas.
  • Over-the-counter treatments fail

A doctor can prescribe stronger medicines and check for related infections.

Conclusion

Pubic lice might feel like a troublesome and embarrassing condition, but they are treatable with proper care. Early diagnosis and timely treatment prevent further spread of the parasite and offer quicker relief. 

With the right guidance, most people recover within days and regain their comfort and confidence. If symptoms persist or you're unsure about what you're experiencing, seeking expert help is always the safest choice. For confidential, expert-led care, book a consultation with Cloudnine today.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you see pubic lice bites?

Yes, they often appear as small, blue-grey spots or red bumps induced by the feeding of lice on the skin.

2. What are three symptoms of pubic lice?

Intense itching, visible nits on hair, and reddish or bluish bite marks.

3. Does shaving remove pubic lice?

Shaving will not kill lice or their eggs alone; it requires a medicated treatment.

4. What are the initial stages of pubic lice?

Early signs include mild itching, noticing nits attached to hair, and seeing small crawling lice.

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