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Pubic Lice
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Skin Hair Nails

Pubic Lice

Pubic lice are tiny parasitic insects that primarily spread through sexual contact and require specific medical treatment to eliminate.

What are pubic lice?

Pubic lice (also called crabs) are tiny insects which usually live in the pubic or genital area of humans. They are also sometimes found on other coarse body hair, such as hair on the legs, armpits, mustache, beard, eyebrows, or eyelashes. Pubic lice on the eyebrows or eyelashes of children or teens may be a sign of sexual exposure or abuse.

Pubic lice are parasites, and they need to feed on human blood to survive. They are one of the three types of lice that live on humans. The other two types are head lice and body lice. Each type of lice is different, and getting one type does not mean that you will get another type.

How do pubic lice spread?

Pubic lice move by crawling, because they cannot hop or fly. They usually spread through sexual contact. Occasionally, they may spread through physical contact with a person who has pubic lice, or through contact with clothing, beds, bed linens, or towels that were used by a person with pubic lice. You cannot get pubic lice from animals.

Risk Factors and Symptoms

Since they spread mainly through sexual contact, pubic lice are most common in adults. The most common symptom is intense itching in the genital area. You may also see nits (lice eggs) or crawling lice.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis of pubic lice usually comes from seeing a louse or nit. Because they can be difficult to find, a magnifying lens may be required. People who have pubic lice should be checked for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and their sexual partners should also be checked.

Treatment and Management

  • Lice-killing lotion: Options include lotions containing permethrin or mousses containing pyrethrins and piperonyl butoxide. These are available over-the-counter.
  • Prescription medication: Other lice-killing medicines are available via prescription from a health care provider.
  • Follow-up: Usually one treatment is sufficient; if not, a second treatment may be needed after 9-10 days.
  • Hygiene: Wash clothes, bedding, and towels with hot water and dry them using the hot cycle of the dryer.

Frequently Asked Questions

To effectively kill pubic lice and their eggs, wash all clothing, bedding, and towels used in the three days prior to treatment in hot water (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit or 54 degrees Celsius) and dry them on a high heat setting. For items that cannot be machine washed, such as delicate fabrics or shoes, place them in a sealed plastic bag for at least 72 hours. This duration ensures that any surviving lice die from starvation, as they cannot live more than 48 hours away from a human host. Do not use insecticide sprays on bedding or clothing, as these are not effective against lice and can be harmful to humans.
No, you cannot get pubic lice from public toilet seats, swimming pools, or hot tubs. Pubic lice are parasites that require direct contact with human hair to survive and feed on blood. They cannot survive in water for extended periods and do not live on inanimate objects like toilet seats. Transmission occurs primarily through sexual contact or, less commonly, through direct skin-to-skin contact or sharing infested clothing, bedding, or towels.
Many over-the-counter treatments designed for head lice, such as those containing permethrin or pyrethrin, are also effective against pubic lice. However, because pubic lice are often more resistant to these treatments than head lice, a healthcare provider may prescribe stronger medications like crotamiton or malathion. If over-the-counter treatment does not resolve the infestation within one week, or if symptoms persist, consult a doctor for prescription options. It is crucial to follow the specific instructions for each product, as some require a second application after seven to ten days to kill newly hatched lice.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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