Crabs-Pubic Lice

Pubic lice, or Pthirus pubis, more commonly known as crabs derive their name from the crab-shaped insects that sometimes take up residence in the pubic hair. Crabs like the warm moist areas of our bodies so can also be found in the axilla (arm pit), in the facial hair and sometimes even in eyelashes too. The adult lice lay their eggs on the hair shafts close to the skin and take 7 to 10 days to hatch. They feed on human blood.

How do you get Pubic Lice?
You get crabs by being in direct physical contact with someone who already has them. They can occasionally be transmitted by contact with, for example, the towels, bed sheets or clothes of an infested person. The lice can only survive for between 24 and 48 hours away from the human body. 

Signs Symptoms of Pubic Lice (Crabs)
Itching in the pubic area is the most common symptom.
Nits are pubic lice eggs. They are hard to see but are found firmly attached to the hair shaft.

After the eggs hatch a baby louse called a nymph emerges. They are smaller versions of the adults they become after 7 days.

Adult crabs are visible to the naked eye but because of their gray, white or brown color are difficult to see as they can easily blend in with their surroundings. You may see faint blue spots where they have bitten you. Under a magnifying glass you can see that the pubic lice have six legs, their two front legs are very large and look like the pincher claws of a crab.

The Centers for Disease Control advise that pubic lice infestation in a young child or teenager "may indicate sexual activity or sexual abuse".

Treatment of Pubic Lice (Crabs)
There are a number of medications available from your drug store without a prescription, Permethrin 1% crème rinse is one of the most common, will kill the lice. One application is all it takes. Read the instructions carefully and follow them. 

The usual procedure is to wash your pubic hair, dry the area then apply the crème rinse and leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with water and dry with a clean towel. Because the dead lice may still be attached to the hair shafts it is a good idea to comb the area with a fine tooth comb but you can remove them with your nails. Lice in the eyebrows and eyelashes should be picked out with your finger tips or with the fine toothed comb. Do not use the chemical anywhere near your eyes or your mouth.

A prescription medication, called Lindane (1%) is also available to treat pubic lice. Lindane is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, or for children less than 2 years old.

Prevention of Crabs