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Pubic lice, sometimes called 'crabs', are tiny insects that live in coarse body hair, most commonly pubic hair, though they can also be found in underarm hair, eyelashes, or eyebrows. They spread through close bodily contact, most often sexual contact.
Evidence checked against current HSE guidance for Pubic lice (crabs), covering the article's core clinical information and relevant assessment, management or safety considerations.
Public health education article
Self-care advice — Visit a pharmacy or sexual health clinic for advice on the most suitable treatment and to discuss testing for other infections.
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Pubic lice, sometimes called 'crabs', are tiny insects that live in coarse body hair, most commonly pubic hair, though they can also be found in underarm hair, eyelashes, or eyebrows. They spread through close bodily contact, most often sexual contact.
Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
Itching persists despite treatment
Pubic lice, sometimes called 'crabs', are tiny insects that live in coarse body hair, most commonly pubic hair, though they can also be found in underarm hair, eyelashes, or eyebrows. They spread through close bodily contact, most often sexual contact.
The main symptom is itching in the affected area, particularly at night, along with tiny blue or grey marks on the skin from bites. Lice or their eggs (nits) may sometimes be visible attached to hairs.
Visit a pharmacy or sexual health clinic for advice on the most suitable treatment and to discuss testing for other infections.
These measures can help ease symptoms, support recovery, and reduce the chance of things worsening — but they don't replace medical advice if symptoms are severe or persistent.
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
Pubic lice are easily treated with an appropriate lotion, and treating partners at the same time prevents the cycle of reinfection.
Because pubic lice usually spread through sexual contact, it's a good idea to get a wider sexual health check at the same time.