Pubic lice
 AGE Can affect sexually active people of any age |  GENDER Not significant factors |
 LIFESTYLE Sex with multiple partners is a risk factor |  GENETICS Not significant factors |
Pubic lice is the infestation of pubic hair by a type of small wingless parasite causing irritation.
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Pubic lice, often called “crabs”, are usually spread by sexual contact. The lice live in pubic hair, where they feed on blood and lay eggs called nits. About 10,000 cases of infestation are treated in STI clinics in the UK each year.
The most common symptom is itching in the pubic area and around the anus, especially at night. Some people have no symptoms and only realize that they are infested when they see the nits or lice. Normal washing does not remove nits since they are firmly stuck to the hair.
If you think that you or your partner has pubic lice, you should consult your doctor or go to a clinic specializing in sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
What might be done?
Your doctor will probably prescribe a preparation containing permethrin, phenothrin, or malathion to apply to affected areas (see Preparations for skin infections and infestations). A second application is needed about 7 days after the first to destroy freshly hatched lice.
To prevent the spread of lice, sexual partners should be checked and treated if necessary. The clothing and sheets used by an infested person should be machine-washed in hot water.
BMA Complete Family Health Guide
Copyright © 2005 Dorling Kindersley
Posted 04.05.2011
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