Pediculosis Pubis (Public Lice Crab Lice)

Pediculosis pubis (pubic lice infestation or crabs) is a parasitic infection. This infection affects the pubic area, as well as other areas with coarse body hair, such as the armpits or beard. Pubic lice are tiny, crab-like insects that live on human hair and feed on blood. The infection is most commonly spread through sexual contact but can also be spread through close personal contact or sharing of clothing or bedding.

Symptoms of pubic lice infestation can include itching and irritation of the pubic area or other affected areas, as well as the presence of small, oval-shaped eggs, called nits, or grayish-white insects, called lice, on the hair shafts.

Diagnosis of pubic lice infestation is typically made by identifying the lice or nits on the hair shafts during a visual examination.