Explainer

Pubic lice

Real talk:

Pubic lice are an itchy nuisance, but they can easily be treated with a topical treatment.

Myth-busting:

Myth: “You can cure pubic lice by shaving your hair.”
Fact: Nope. Lice are savvy creatures – if you remove your pubic hair, they’ll just move to a different area of your body (and may return to the pubic area once your hair grows back).

Myth: “Pubic lice are the result of poor hygiene.”
Fact: No way. Pubic lice aren’t an indicator of hygiene. Like head lice, anyone can get them.

Myth: “Pubic lice can jump or fly from person to person.”
Fact: False. Pubic lice spread by crawling, and don’t survive away from the body for long.

What are pubic lice?

Pubic lice, sometimes called ‘crabs’, are a tiny parasite that can live on pubic and arse hair, on chest and belly hair, as well as facial hair (including eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, moustache).

How do you get pubic lice?

Pubic lice are passed through close body contact, which may be sexual or non-sexual. They can also live in other coarse body hair, such as armpit or beard hair.

The lice can’t live off the body for long, but it’s important to not share clothes, towels, bed linen and beds until you’ve been treated.

What are the symptoms of pubic lice?

Pubic lice are itchy! If your hair is itchy, have a close look to see if you can spot any moving lice or tiny dark nits (lice eggs) attached to the hair.

How are pubic lice prevented?

Like head lice, pubic lice are hard to completely avoid. If you find out you have them, avoid close body contact and sharing personal items like clothes and linen until you’ve completed treatment and are sure they’re gone.

How do you test for pubic lice?

There’s no routine test for pubic lice. If you have symptoms of pubic lice, your doctor can check by examining the area that’s bothering you.

How do you get treated for pubic lice?

Pubic lice are treated with a topical foam, cream or lotion, which you can usually get over-the-counter at a pharmacy. Apply it to all hair that may be infected and repeat the treatment a week later.

Current sexual partners and all household members should be treated at the same time.

Personal items like clothing and linen should be washed on a hot cycle and dried at time of treatment.

Wait a full week (seven days) to work before having sex again.

Don’t forget to let your recent sexual partners know so they can also get tested and treated if needed. Check out our partner notification section for more information on navigating this part of the process.

When to see a healthcare professional

A healthcare professional can recommend the tests that are right for your body and your sexual practices. They can provide treatment straight away if you need it, check for any complications, and talk with you about re-testing or letting partners know. Regular checks are a simple way to look after yourself, your partners and your community.

See a healthcare provider if: