Pediculosis pubis

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Pediculosis pubis
Synonyms	Crab louse infestation, pubic lice
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Itching, visible lice or eggs in pubic hair
Complications	Secondary bacterial infection
Onset	5 days to several weeks after exposure
Duration	Until treated
Types	N/A
Causes	Infestation by Pthirus pubis
Risks	Sexual contact, shared bedding or clothing
Diagnosis	Visual inspection, dermatoscopy
Differential diagnosis	Scabies, seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis
Prevention	Avoiding shared personal items, safe sex practices
Treatment	Topical insecticides (e.g., permethrin, pyrethrin), oral ivermectin
Medication	Permethrin, pyrethrin, ivermectin
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common in sexually active individuals
Deaths	N/A

Pubic lice illustration

Pubic lice in abdomen

Pubic lice on eye-lashes

Crab lice

Nit comb

Pediculosis pubis (also known as "crabs" and "pubic lice") is a disease caused by the pubic louse. The disease is usually spread through sexual contact. It may also be spread by close personal contact or contact with articles such as clothing, bed linens, or towels that have been used by an infested person.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of pediculosis pubis is itching in the genital area. Other symptoms can include low grade fever, irritability, and presence of lice or eggs in pubic hair.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of pediculosis pubis is usually made based on the clinical presentation. The presence of lice or eggs in the pubic hair is a clear indication of the disease.

Treatment

Treatment for pediculosis pubis usually involves the use of over-the-counter medications that contain permethrin or pyrethrin. In some cases, prescription medications may be required.

Prevention

Prevention of pediculosis pubis involves avoiding sexual contact with an infested person and not sharing clothing, bed linens, or towels that have been used by an infested person.

See also

• Pediculosis capitis
• Pediculosis corporis
• Sexually transmitted infection

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