What is Pubic Lice?

Pubic Lice are tiny parasitic insects that live in coarse human body hair, such as pubic hair.

How do I know I’ve got it?

• You may be itchy in your genital region 
• You may see the small yellow/grey lice, and/or the white eggs on the hair 
• There may be spots of blood on your underwear 
• How do you get it?
• Usually from close body contact with someone who has pubic lice.

Where can I get diagnosed?
You can attend the Sexual Health Clinic or go to your GP.

What is the treatment?

• A lotion is used on all body hair including beard, moustache 
• Follow the directions given regarding the time to keep it on 
• Repeat the treatment at 3-7days 
• You will be advised how to treat eyelashes/ eyebrows 
• Wash all clothes, towels and bedlinen at 50c 
• Avoid close contact with others until you have been treated 
• The itch often stays for a while after treatment has been given 
• Sexual partners

It is important that your sexual partner(s) are treated.

What if I don’t get treated?

• The infection is unlikely to get better by itself. You may pass the infection on to other partners.

How do I avoid getting pubic lice/crabs again?

• The best way to avoid transmission of sexually transmitted diseases is to abstain from sexual contact, or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected. 
• Practicing safer sex will reduce your risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection. This means using a condom for oral, vaginal and anal sex.