Pubic Lice (Crabs)

Treatment for Pubic Lice (Crabs) in Nottingham

Serving: Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Mansfield, Sheffield and the wider Midlands area

What are Pubic Lice?

Pubic lice (Phthirus pubis), commonly known as ‘crabs’, are small parasitic insects that infest the coarse hair of the pubic area and other parts of the body. They are approximately 2mm in length, yellowish-grey to reddish-brown in colour, and have six legs. Their appearance resembles tiny crabs when viewed under magnification (hence the nickname), particularly due to their two larger front legs, which look similar to crab claws.

Pubic lice are a distinct species from head lice and cannot survive for more than 24-48 hours when away from a human host. They feed on human blood and cause irritation and intense itching due to an allergic reaction to their saliva.

Symptoms of Pubic Lice

Many people with pubic lice experience symptoms within 5 days to several weeks after infestation, though some individuals may remain asymptomatic. Common symptoms include:

Intense itching in the affected area, typically worse at night when the lice are most active
Small blue or red spots on the skin (caused by lice bites)
Visible lice moving in the pubic hair (they appear as tiny yellow-grey or reddish-brown insects)
Yellow or white dots (lice eggs or ‘nits’) firmly attached to hair shafts
Black powder (lice droppings) in underwear or on bedding
Irritation and inflammation due to scratching
In rare cases, mild fever or feeling unwell
When eyelashes are affected (rare), you may notice crusted or sticky eyelashes

Where Can Pubic Lice Be Found?

While pubic lice primarily infest the pubic region, they can also be found in:

Underarm hair
Chest hair
Abdominal hair
Leg hair
Beard and moustache
Eyebrows and eyelashes (uncommon)

Notably, pubic lice do not affect the hair on the head, as they are adapted to grip the coarser hairs found in other body regions.

How are Pubic Lice Transmitted?

Pubic lice are primarily transmitted through:

Close body-to-body contact, particularly during sexual activity
Sharing bedding, towels, or clothing with someone who has pubic lice (less common)

It is important to understand that:

Pubic lice cannot jump or fly, but they can crawl from one person to another during close contact
Transmission is not related to poor personal hygiene
Condoms do not provide complete protection against pubic lice, as they can be present in the surrounding pubic hair
Public lice cannot be transmitted from toilet seats
Pets cannot transmit pubic lice to humans

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of pubic lice is typically made through:

A physical examination by a healthcare professional
Visual identification of lice or eggs in the pubic hair or other body hair
Use of a magnifying glass to better observe the parasites
Collection of samples for microscopic confirmation if necessary

If you suspect you have pubic lice, it is advisable to seek testing for other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well, as multiple infections can occur simultaneously.

Treatment

Pubic lice are effectively treated with:

Medicated Treatments

Topical insecticides applied directly to affected areas, these include:

Permethrin cream (5%) – safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Malathion liquid (0.5%)
Phenothrin lotion

These treatments typically need to be applied to all affected areas and left on for a specific amount of time before washing off

Additional Treatment Measures:

All sexual partners from the previous 3 months should be notified and treated simultaneously to prevent re-infestation
Repeat treatment may be necessary after 7-10 days to kill any newly hatched lice
Washing all clothing, bedding, and towels at high temperature (50°C or higher)
Items that cannot be washed can be dry-cleaned or sealed in a plastic bag for at least one week
Thoroughly vacuum mattresses and furniture

Treatment During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding:

Permethrin cream is considered safe for use during pregnancy. If breastfeeding, the cream should be thoroughly washed off before feeding and reapplied as necessary. Always consult a healthcare provider for advice specific to your situation.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of contracting or spreading pubic lice:

Avoid sharing personal items such as clothing, towels, or bedding
Limit sexual partners and maintain awareness of partners’ sexual health
Regularly examine yourself if you are sexually active or have had previous infections
Ensure proper laundering of clothes and bedding at high temperatures
If you or your partner has been diagnosed, abstain from close bodily contact until treatment is complete

When to Seek Medical Advice

Consult a healthcare professional if:

You suspect you have pubic lice
You have been in sexual contact with someone who has pubic lice
You have completed treatment, but symptoms persist
You are pregnant or breastfeeding and require treatment
You notice an infection in your eyelashes or eyebrows

Book Your Confidential Treatment Today

At Park Private Clinic, we offer discreet, professional testing and treatment for pubic lice and other sexually transmitted infections. Our experienced healthcare providers ensure confidential care in a non-judgmental environment.