Pubic lice, commonly called crabs, are tiny insects found in your genital area. They are a different type of louse from head lice and body lice. Measuring 1/16 inch (1.6 millimeters) or less, pubic lice received their nickname because their bodies resemble tiny crabs.

The most common way to get pubic lice is through sexual activity. In children, pubic lice may be found in the eyebrows or eyelashes and can be a sign of sexual abuse. However, it may be possible to catch pubic lice after sharing clothing, bedsheets or towels with an infected person.

Pubic lice feed on your blood, and their bites can cause severe itching. Treatment includes applying over-the-counter creams and lotions that kill the parasites and their eggs.

If you have pubic lice (crabs), you may experience intense itching in your genital region. Pubic lice can spread to other areas with coarse body hair, including the:

• Legs
• Chest
• Armpits
• Beard or mustache
• Eyelashes or eyebrows, more commonly in children

When to see a doctor

Seek medical advice about pubic lice treatment if:

• Over-the-counter products don't kill the lice
• You're pregnant
• You have any infected skin abrasions from scratching

Pubic lice are most commonly spread during sexual activity. You may also get pubic lice from infested sheets, blankets, towels or clothes.

People who have other sexually transmitted infections are more likely to also have pubic lice.

Pubic lice infestations can usually be treated with a louse-killing lotion or gel. However, a pubic lice infestation sometimes leads to complications such as:

• Discolored skin. Pale blue spots may develop where pubic lice have been feeding continually.
• Secondary infections. If itchy lice bites cause you to scratch yourself raw, these wounds can become infected.
• Eye irritation. Children who have pubic lice on their eyelashes may develop a type of pink eye (conjunctivitis).

To prevent pubic lice infestation, avoid having sexual contact or sharing bedding or clothing with anyone who has an infestation. If you are being treated for pubic lice, all sexual partners also must be treated.

You or your doctor can usually confirm a pubic lice infestation through a visual examination of your pubic area. The presence of moving lice confirms infestation.

Lice eggs (nits) also may indicate an infestation. However, nits can cling to hairs and be present, although no longer alive, even after successful treatment.

If over-the-counter lotions or shampoos that have 1% permethrin (Nix) or pyrethrin don't kill your pubic lice, your doctor may prescribe stronger treatments, such as:

• Malathion. You apply this prescription lotion to the affected area and wash it off after eight to 12 hours.
• Ivermectin (Stromectol). This medication is taken as a single dose of two pills, with an option to take another dose in 10 days if the treatment isn't initially successful.

• Eyelash and eyebrow treatments. If pubic lice are found in eyelashes and eyebrows, you can treat them by carefully applying petroleum jelly with a cotton swab at night and washing it off in the morning. This treatment may need to be repeated for several weeks and can irritate the eyes if used incorrectly.

  If only a few live lice and nits are found, you may be able to remove them using a nit comb or your fingernails. If additional treatment is needed, your doctor may prescribe a topical ointment.

All hairy areas of the body should be thoroughly checked and treated because lice can move away from treated areas to other hairy parts of the body. Shaving won't get rid of pubic lice.

You can get rid of pubic lice with a patient, thorough approach that involves cleaning yourself and any personal belongings that may be contaminated.

These steps may help you eliminate lice infestations:

• Use lotions and shampoos. Choose from among several over-the-counter lotions and shampoos (Nix, others) designed to kill lice. Apply the product according to instructions. You may need to repeat treatment in seven to 10 days.
• Wash contaminated items. Wash bedding, clothing and towels used in the two days prior to treatment. Use hot, soapy water — at least 130 F (54 C) — and dry the items at high heat for at least 20 minutes.
• Dry-clean or seal unwashable items. If you can't wash an item, have it dry-cleaned or place it in an airtight bag for two weeks.

If you can't get rid of pubic lice on your own, you may need to talk to your family doctor.

What you can do

Before the appointment, you may want to write a list that answers the following questions:

• How long have you had pubic lice?
• What symptoms are you experiencing?
• How did you become infested?
• Have you been sexually active or shared sheets or towels since noticing the pubic lice?
• What treatments have you tried?
• Do you have any chronic health problems?
• What types of medications or supplements do you take?

What to expect from your doctor

During the physical exam, your doctor will check your genital area for signs of live lice or viable lice eggs (nits).