Pubic Lice

Every year, millions of people treat themselves for pubic lice. These tiny insects are also called "crabs."

Common symptoms — if they occur

• intense itching in the genitals or anus
• mild fever
• feeling run-down
• irritability
• lice or small egg sacs — nits — in pubic hair

Itching usually begins five days after infestation. Some people don't itch and don't know they are infested.

How pubic lice are spread

contact with infected bedding, clothing, upholstered furniture, and toilet seats

intimate and sexual contact

Self-diagnosis: Seen with the naked eye or with a magnifying glass, pubic lice look like tiny crabs. They are pale gray but darken in color when swollen with blood. They attach themselves and their eggs to pubic hair, underarm hair, eyelashes, and eyebrows. Their eggs are white and are deposited in small clumps near the hair roots.

Treatment: Follow the directions on the package insert of an over-the-counter medication. Some of the brands available are A200, RID, and InnoGel Plus. Repeated head-to-toe applications may be necessary. Stronger prescription lotions are also available. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, and infants must use products especially designed for them. Everyone who may have been exposed to pubic lice should be treated at the same time. All bedding, towels, and clothing that may have been exposed should be thoroughly washed or dry cleaned, and the home should be vacuumed.

Protection: Pubic lice are highly contagious and there is no protection except for limiting the number of intimate and sexual contacts.