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Pubic lice, commonly called "crabs," are tiny parasitic insects that live in coarse human hair, most often in the pubic region. They feed on blood and cause intense itching. Pubic lice are not the same as head or body lice and are spread mainly through sexual contact, although they can also be passed through infested clothing, towels, or bedding.

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Avoid sharing personal items like towels, underwear, or bedding.

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Avoid sharing personal items like towels, underwear, or bedding.

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Use protection during sexual activity (condoms don’t fully protect, but can reduce skin to skin transmission).

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Use protection during sexual activity (condoms don’t fully protect, but can reduce skin to skin transmission).

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Limit sexual partners and communicate openly about STI testing.

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Limit sexual partners and communicate openly about STI testing.

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Get regular STI screenings and talk to a doctor if symptoms appear.

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Get regular STI screenings and talk to a doctor if symptoms appear.

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Intense itching in the genital area, especially at night.

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Intense itching in the genital area, especially at night.

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Visible lice or eggs (nits) near hair roots can look like tiny white/yellow dots.

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Visible lice or eggs (nits) near hair roots can look like tiny white/yellow dots.

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Irritation and inflammation caused by scratching.

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Irritation and inflammation caused by scratching.

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Secondary infections may result from open skin.

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Secondary infections may result from open skin.

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Emotional distress and embarrassment due to the stigma.

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Emotional distress and embarrassment due to the stigma.

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Although pubic lice themselves don’t spread other diseases, their presence may lead to testing for other STIs, as they are often contracted through sexual activity.

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Although pubic lice themselves don’t spread other diseases, their presence may lead to testing for other STIs, as they are often contracted through sexual activity.

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In rare cases, lice can spread to eyelashes, requiring medical treatment.

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In rare cases, lice can spread to eyelashes, requiring medical treatment.

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Treated with over-the-counter or prescription creams, lotions, or shampoos (such as permethrin or pyrethrins).

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Treated with over-the-counter or prescription creams, lotions, or shampoos (such as permethrin or pyrethrins).

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All clothes, bedding, and towels must be washed in hot water (at least 130°F) and dried on high heat.

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All clothes, bedding, and towels must be washed in hot water (at least 130°F) and dried on high heat.

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Sexual partners should be treated at the same time to prevent reinfection.

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Sexual partners should be treated at the same time to prevent reinfection.

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Avoid sexual contact until treatment is fully complete.

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Avoid sexual contact until treatment is fully complete.

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Diagnosed through a physical exam by a healthcare provider.

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Diagnosed through a physical exam by a healthcare provider.

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Doctors look for live lice or nits in pubic hair or other coarse hair (armpits, chest, etc.).

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Doctors look for live lice or nits in pubic hair or other coarse hair (armpits, chest, etc.).

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May use a magnifying glass or microscope to confirm.

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May use a magnifying glass or microscope to confirm.

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Eyelash infestations may require an eye exam.

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Eyelash infestations may require an eye exam.

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Pubic lice are not tracked like other STIs, so exact numbers are unclear.

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Pubic lice are not tracked like other STIs, so exact numbers are unclear.

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Still relatively common, especially among sexually active teens and young adults.

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Still relatively common, especially among sexually active teens and young adults.

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According to the CDC, infestations are more likely in people 15–25 years old who are sexually active.

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According to the CDC, infestations are more likely in people 15–25 years old who are sexually active.

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Anyone can get pubic lice, regardless of cleanliness or socioeconomic background.

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Anyone can get pubic lice, regardless of cleanliness or socioeconomic background.

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An estimated 3 million cases of lice infestations (head, body, and pubic) occur each year in the U.S., with pubic lice accounting for a smaller portion but still significant among sexually active populations.

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An estimated 3 million cases of lice infestations (head, body, and pubic) occur each year in the U.S., with pubic lice accounting for a smaller portion but still significant among sexually active populations.

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A study in the Journal of Medical Entomology found that pubic lice infestations declined in countries with high rates of pubic hair removal, especially waxing and shaving.

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A study in the Journal of Medical Entomology found that pubic lice infestations declined in countries with high rates of pubic hair removal, especially waxing and shaving.

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Rates are higher among people aged 15–24, and especially among those with multiple sexual partners or who do not use protection regularly.

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Rates are higher among people aged 15–24, and especially among those with multiple sexual partners or who do not use protection regularly.

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Although pubic lice are not tracked nationally like other STIs (such as chlamydia or gonorrhea), they are still commonly reported in college health centers and clinics.

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Although pubic lice are not tracked nationally like other STIs (such as chlamydia or gonorrhea), they are still commonly reported in college health centers and clinics.

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Pubic lice, also known as “crab” lice, are parasitic insects found in the pubic or genital area.

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What Are Pubic Lice (Crabs) & How Do You Get Them?

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Pubic lice - also known as crabs - are small parasites that attach to the skin and hair near your genitals. Crabs are usually pretty easy to get rid of.