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Pubic "Crab" Lice

Pubic "Crab" Lice (Pthiriasis)

(THIR-i-a-sus)

Adult pubic lice are 1.1-1.8 mm in length. Pubic lice typically are found attached to hair in the pubic area but sometimes are found on coarse hair elsewhere on the body (for example, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, mustache, chest, armpits, etc.).

Pubic lice infestations are usually spread through sexual contact. Dogs, cats, and other pets do not play a role in the transmission of human lice.

Both over-the-counter and prescription medications are available for treatment of pubic lice infestations.

Specific Topics

Pubic "Crab" Lice Resources

Page last modified: May 16, 2008
Page last reviewed: May 16, 2008
Content Source: Division of Parasitic Diseases (DPD)
National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, and Enteric Diseases (ZVED)