Pubic Lice (Pthirus pubis): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Clitoria Clinic Sexual Health and Gynecology, Phetkasem 81, Bangkok

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Pubic lice (Pthirus pubis) are tiny parasitic insects that infest coarse hair in the genital area.

They are considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI)

but can also spread through close body contact or shared personal items such as towels, clothing, or bedding.

Image : Oklahoma State University

Pubic lice are smallaround 1-2 mm long, crab-shaped,

which is why they're often called crab lice.

They survive by feeding on blood from the skin and cling tightly to coarse hair such as in the pubic region, underarms, or even beards.

They cannot jump or fly, spreading only through direct skin-to-skin contact or contaminated personal items.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Sexual contact or close skin contact with an infected person
• Sharing towels, clothing, or bedding
• Living in crowded environments (e.g., dormitories, unclean hotels)
• Thick pubic hair providing an ideal environment for lice attachment

Common Symptoms of Pubic Lice

• Severe itching in the genital or underarm area, especially at night when lice feed
• Red bite marks or small dots near hair roots
• Visible white lice eggs (nits) attached to hair shafts
• Scratches, skin irritation, or secondary bacterial infection
• Darkened or thickened skin in chronic cases due to inflammation

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2023),

pubic lice cannot survive longer than 24-48 hours away from the human body.

Therefore, transmission usually occurs through direct close contact rather than from public toilets or seats.

Diagnosis of Pubic Lice

Doctors diagnose pubic lice by visual examination or using a dermatoscope to identify lice or eggs attached to hair.

STI screening for gonorrhea, chlamydia, or syphilis may also be performed since co-infection is common.

Treatment Options for Pubic Lice

• Permethrin 1% or Pyrethrin cream is the standard treatment to kill lice and eggs.
• Apply as directed, rinse thoroughly, and comb out eggs afterward.
• Wash all clothing, towels, and bedding in hot water (60°C) and dry completely.
• Do not use head-lice shampoo on genital areas without medical advice.
• Sexual partners should be examined and treated simultaneously to prevent reinfection.

Prevention & Self-Care

• Avoid sexual contact with anyone experiencing genital itching or visible lice
• Do not share towels, clothes, or bedding
• Maintain genital hygiene and inspect regularly for irritation or itching
• Inform and treat sexual partners if infection is detected

Pubic Lice Treatment Prices (Clitoria Clinic)

Consult our medical team at Clitoria Clinic, Phetkasem 81, Bangkok.

Tel: 081-116-3788 | Line OA: @dr.clitoria

>> Book your appointment today

Meta Description

Pubic lice (crab lice) are small parasites that cause genital itching. Learn how they spread, their symptoms, and how to treat them safely at Clitoria Clinic, Bangkok.

Keywords

pubic lice, Pthirus pubis, crab lice, genital itching, STD clinic Bangkok, sexual health clinic, Clitoria Clinic