Contact us
Precision Medicine
What is pubic lice?
11 December 2025
They are tiny parasites that lodge primarily in the pubic or genital area, although they can also inhabit the hair of the armpits, beard, mustache, eyebrows, eyelashes, and legs. In the case of children, they may be found on the eyelashes or eyebrows, which can be a sign of possible sexual abuse.
Pubic lice, or crabs as they are also known, need to feed on blood to survive. They are one of the three types of lice that affect humans, differing from the other two (head and body lice) because their physique resembles that of a small crab.
The most common way of contagion is through sexual intercourse, but it can also happen through contact with infected people or via contaminated bedding, blankets, towels, or clothing. Those with sexually transmitted infections are more prone to getting pubic lice.
The life cycle of a pubic louse is 15 days, during which the female can produce up to 25 eggs. It usually survives up to 36 hours outside the human body.
Signs and symptoms Pubic Lice
- Fatigue.
- Intense itching in the pubic or genital area, which increases especially at night.
- Skin redness.
- Blood stains or black spots on underwear.
- Itching in the armpits, beard, mustache, eyebrows, legs, and chest.
- It is possible to see lice crawling on the skin.
Pubic lice rarely cause risks and complications, but they can sometimes trigger the following:
- Acute conjunctivitis, mainly in children.
- Skin inflammation.
- Secondary infections as a result of intense itching.
- Bluish spots on the skin, primarily in the area where the lice have fed.
Diagnosis and treatment Pubic Lice
The doctor will analyze your symptoms and clinical history, and perform a visual physical exam of the pubic or genital area looking for residues of eggs or live or dead nits, which helps to confirm the diagnosis.
The main treatment to eradicate pubic lice includes the following:
- Medicated lotions, creams, or shampoo specifically against pubic lice.
- Oral drugs.
- Cleaning of eyebrows and eyelashes.
- Washing sheets, blankets, towels, and clothing with soap and hot water.
- Take clothes that require dry cleaning to the cleaner or store them in sealed bags.
This treatment should be repeated for several weeks.
If you have pubic lice, you should inform your partner or anyone with whom you have had sexual relations during the last month, as it is necessary for everyone to receive treatment at the same time to prevent re-infection. Avoid sexual intercourse until treatment is complete and you are certain there is no longer a risk of contagion.
At the Internal Medicine Department of Centro Médico ABC, we provide medical care services with the highest quality and safety, from the prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up of infectious, respiratory, endocrinological, dermatological, rheumatic, nephrological, gastrointestinal, and hematological pathologies, both chronic-degenerative conditions and acute conditions, through an integral and multidisciplinary model.
Related centers and departments Pubic Lice
Fuentes:
- cun.es
- kidshealth.org
- healthychildren.org
- nicklauschildrens.org
- mayoclinic.org
- msdmanuals.com
- medlineplus.gov
- medigraphic.com
How can we help you?
The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.
Interest-free
months in:
Interest-free
months in:
Specialty Centers
Diagnostic Studies
Check-ups
Hospitalization1
Valid until December 31, 2025. Promotions not cumulative. Subject to restrictions 1. In hospitalization, medical fees are not included. 2. Minimum amount: $1,500 for 3 to 6 months and $3,000 for 7 to 9 months 3. Minimum amount $1,500. (Cards issued abroad are not eligible).