are small, crab-like parasites (insects) that are grey or brownish-red
live in pubic hair but can also be found on other parts of the body that have hair, such as chest, armpit, face, or eyelashes
can live off the body for up to 24 hours in bedding, towels, and clothing
feed on the blood of the infected person by taking small bites
lay tiny white eggs (nits) that stick on the hair shaft
do not have wings so they cannot jump or fly
How do I get pubic lice?
From close, skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.
By sharing clothes, towels, soap, bedding, or sleeping bags with an infected person.
How do I know if I have pubic lice?
Pubic lice or nits may be seen by looking at the hair and skin around the genitals.
You may develop redness and soreness as a result of itching.
Scratching can lead to skin infections or can spread lice to other body hair.
Bite marks can look like small blue spots on the skin of the infected area.
You may see fine black specks (louse feces) in your underwear.
How do I treat pubic lice?
On Your Body:
Use special medicated shampoos or creams (available from the drugstore without a prescription).
Regular soap or shampoo does not kill lice.
After shampooing, take out all eggs with your fingers or a fine-toothed comb. Wash your hands.
Put on clean clothing after shampooing.
Shampoo again in 7 days. This may kill any nits that were missed the first time.
Shaving may not get rid of the lice.
In Your Home:
Wash all bedding, towels, and clothes that you used in the past 2-3 days in hot, soapy water at the time of treatment. Wash again after every treatment.
Dry laundry in a hot dryer.
Dry clean or seal items that are not washable in a plastic bag for one week.
How can I prevent the spread of pubic lice?
Abstinence (not having sex) may be your best choice.
Tell all the sexual partners you have had in the last 30 days so that they can also be treated.
Do not have sex until you have correctly used the medicated shampoo and removed the eggs.
Practice "safer sex". Always use condoms during vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
Use a dental dam during oral sex on women.
Do not share sex toys.
Limit the number of sexual partners you have.
Ask your partner about his or her sexual history.
Get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) before having any sexual activity with a new partner.
If you think you have been infected with an STI, see a healthcare provider.
Do not have sex with an infected person.
Tell your partner if you have an infection.
Get education, guidance, and support.
Sexual Decision Making
You have the right to choose whether or not to have sexual intercourse.
If you choose to have sex, be sure to protect yourself from pregnancy and STIs.
Talk to your partner about these choices before you have sex!
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Reviewed by Alberta clinical experts. Brought to you by HealthLink Alberta. Copyright
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. If you have specific questions, please consult your doctor or appropriate health care professional.
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