Pubic lice

Alternative names:

crabs; lice - pubic; pediculosis

Symptoms:

• itching in pubic hair region
• eggs (nits) or actual adult lice may be seen
• genital lesions (male) or genital lesions (female)
• other genital lesions consisting of scratched (excoriated) areas and possibly secondary infections

Signs and tests:

An examination of the external genital region typically reveals small gray-white oval eggs (nits) attached to the hair shaft and may reveal adult lice. Scratch marks or signs of secondary infection such as impetigo may also be noted. Adult lice may be easily identified under the microscope. Their crab-like appearance is the reason that pubic lice are referred to as "having the crabs".