Crabs/ Pubic Lice
What is it?
Crabs are tiny lice that grip onto the hair in the genital area and are shaped like tiny crabs. They usually live in pubic hair, but can also be found in chest hair and armpit hair and may also live in beards and eyelashes. The crabs found in pubic hair are different from the lice found in the scalp.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptom is itching in the pubic hair.
How is it transmitted?
They are caught by having close body contact, usually sexual, with a person who has them, but it is also possible to catch them through sharing towels, clothes or someone's bed. They show up between three days to several weeks after exposure.
How can I prevent transmission?
It's hard to prevent transmission of crabs as they are easily caught from close body contact. You can prevent further outbreaks by appropriate treatment and cleaning of all clothing and linen that may have come into contact with the lice.
How is it diagnosed?
Crabs can be detected by checking the pubic hair in a good light. A close look can spot the tiny lice clinging to the pubic hair and there may also be eggs stuck to the hair, which can appear as tiny white specks.
How is it treated?
Crabs are rapidly and effectively treated by the appropriate application of a lotion. Your doctor or pharmacist can suggest an appropriate lotion. Follow the instructions carefully.
You will also need to change and wash any clothing and linen which has been in direct contact with the affected areas, and ensure your sexual partner is treated at the same time. Other housemates need to consider treatment if they have slept in the same bed, shared towelling or clothing of the person infected. Treatment is usually repeated after seven days.
Shaving is not recommended as it usually fails to get rid of all the lice or eggs.
If not treated the itch will continue and the crabs may spread to sexual partners or household contacts.