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Infections & STDs

Pubic lice / crabs

Pubic lice, or crabs are tiny insects about 1-2 mm long and grey or brown in colour. They strongly attach to hairs, and do not wash or brush off with normal cleaning.

Pubic lice commonly affect the pubic hair. However, they may also affect hair around the anus, underarm hair, beard, chest, eyebrows, and body hair. Eyelashes are occasionally affected. Scalp hair is a different type of hair, and is not commonly affected.

HOW DO YOU GET IT?

Pubic lice are passed on by close bodily contact. Sexual contact is the most common way. However, you can still catch pubic lice from close contact with family or friends, such as hugging or kissing of an infected person's beard or moustache.

SYMPTOMS

• The main symptom is itch in the affected areas. This is usually in the pubic hair area. The itch may take several days to begin after you become infected.
• Faint blue spots may appear on the nearby skin.
• Skin irritation and scratching may cause redness or a rash in affected areas.
• You may develop eye inflammation if your eyelashes are affected.
• Some people have no symptoms, but can still pass lice on to others without realising.

If you have any of these symptoms, please contact 132 Healthwise to arrange an appointment.

Recent close contacts and sexual partners within the past three months should be examined for lice, and treated if infected. Remember, you can have pubic lice without symptoms.

If you think you need an examination, please contact 132 Healthwise.