What Are Public Lice (Crabs)? by Gavin Shkutzko

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:15:58 UTC

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.

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

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:16:47 UTC

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

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:17:14 UTC

Limit sexual partners and communicate openly about STI testing.

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:17:32 UTC

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

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:17:54 UTC

Intense itching in the genital area, especially at night.

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:18:21 UTC

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

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:19:16 UTC

Blue or red bite marks on the skin.

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:20:11 UTC

Irritation and inflammation caused by scratching.

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:20:52 UTC

Secondary infections may result from open skin.

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:21:29 UTC

Scratching can lead to skin infections.

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:22:06 UTC

Emotional distress and embarrassment due to the stigma.

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:23:06 UTC

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.

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:24:00 UTC

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

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:24:58 UTC

Yes, pubic lice can be cured!!!!

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:25:25 UTC

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

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:26:12 UTC

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

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:26:21 UTC

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

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:26:28 UTC

Avoid sexual contact until treatment is fully complete.

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:26:36 UTC

Diagnosed through a physical exam by a healthcare provider.

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:28:48 UTC

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

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:29:05 UTC

May use a magnifying glass or microscope to confirm.

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:29:26 UTC

Eyelash infestations may require an eye exam.

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:29:45 UTC

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

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:29:58 UTC

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

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:30:04 UTC

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

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:30:20 UTC

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

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:30:26 UTC

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.

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:31:37 UTC

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.

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:31:45 UTC

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

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:31:52 UTC

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.

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:31:58 UTC

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:32:14 UTC

gshkutzko — 2025-05-28 15:32:24 UTC