Pubic lice are small parasitic insects that usually live in coarse body hair around the genitals. They are also called crab lice and can sometimes affect hair on the chest, abdomen, armpits, beard, eyebrows or eyelashes. They do not jump or fly and they do not transmit disease, but scratching can lead to skin infection.
Symptoms
- itching in the pubic area, often worse at night
- visible lice or pale eggs attached firmly to hair
- small red or blue spots from bites
- dark specks in underwear
- irritated or broken skin caused by scratching
Symptoms may take several weeks to appear. Pubic lice are different from head lice and require appropriate treatment.
How pubic lice spread
They spread mainly through close body contact, most often sexual contact. Less commonly, they may spread through recently used clothing, bedding or towels. Pubic lice are not caused by poor hygiene and are not spread by pets.
Diagnosis and treatment
A pharmacist, sexual health service or clinician can confirm the diagnosis and recommend a suitable lice-killing lotion or shampoo. Follow the product instructions exactly, including which body areas to treat and whether a second treatment is needed. Products, age limits and resistance patterns differ between countries.
Do not apply standard pubic lice treatment near the eyes. Lice or eggs on eyelashes require medical assessment and a treatment that is safe for the eye area. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, young age, irritated skin or unsuccessful treatment are also reasons to seek professional advice.
Preventing reinfestation
- Avoid sexual or close body contact until treatment has been completed successfully.
- Recent sexual partners should be informed, examined and treated when advised.
- Wash recently used clothing, towels and bedding on a hot cycle and dry thoroughly, or seal non-washable items in a bag for the recommended period.
- Do not share clothing, bedding or towels.
- Consider testing for other sexually transmitted infections.
Finding pubic lice on a child’s eyelashes, eyebrows or scalp requires prompt medical assessment and appropriate safeguarding consideration.
When to seek medical advice
Seek help if you are uncertain of the diagnosis, symptoms continue after correctly repeated treatment, the skin appears infected, or the eyes are affected. Increasing pain, warmth, swelling, pus or fever may indicate a bacterial skin infection.
Sources
Reviewed: 28 August 2026