Learn About Pubic Lice
Pubic lice are tiny wingless insects that infect the pubic hair area and lay eggs there. These lice can also be found in armpit hair, eyebrows, mustache, beard, around the anus, and eyelashes (in children).
Pediculosis - pubic lice; Lice - pubic; Crabs; Pediculosis pubis; Phthirus pubis
Pubic lice are most commonly spread during sexual activity.
Although not common, pubic lice can spread through contact with objects such as toilet seats, sheets, blankets, or bathing suits (that you may try on at a store).
Animals cannot spread public lice to humans.
Other types of lice include:
- Body lice
- Head lice
You are at greater risk for pubic lice if you:
- Have many sexual partners (high incidence in men who have sex with men)
- Have sexual contact with an infected person
- Share bedding or clothing with an infected person
Pubic lice cause itching in the area covered by pubic hair. Itching often gets worse at night. The itching may start soon after getting infected with lice, or it may not start for up to 2 to 4 weeks after contact.
Other symptoms can include:
- Local skin reactions to the bites that cause the skin to turn red or bluish-gray
- Sores in the genital area due to bites and scratching
MEDICINES
Pubic lice are often treated with medicines that contain a substance called permethrin. To use this medicine:
- Thoroughly work the medicine into your pubic hair and surrounding area. Leave it on for at least 5 to 10 minutes, or as directed by your provider.
- Rinse well.
- Comb your pubic hair with a fine-toothed comb to remove eggs (nits). Applying vinegar to pubic hair before combing may help loosen the nits.
In case of eyelash infestation, applying soft paraffin three times daily for 1 to 2 weeks may help.
Most people need only one treatment. If a second treatment is needed, it should be done 4 days to 1 week later.
Over-the-counter medicines to treat lice include Rid, Nix, LiceMD, among others. Malathion lotion is another option.
Sexual partners should be treated at the same time.
OTHER CARE
While you are treating pubic lice:
- Wash and dry all clothing and bedding in hot water.
- Spray items that cannot be washed with a medicated spray that you can buy at the store. You can also seal items in plastic bags for 10 to 14 days to smother the lice.
Century Dermatology
Dr. Terilyn Ma is a board-certified Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner (AGNP-BC) at Century Dermatology, primarily servicing the Chinese community in NYC. She specializes in addressing a range of dermatological concerns, from acne to skin cancer, and offers cosmetic treatments to enhance skin health and appearance. She achieved her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Columbia University in 2024, while also earning recognition from the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing. Prior to this accomplishment, she attained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from New York University in 2018. Additionally, Dr. Ma graduated from San Francisco State University (SFSU) with a B.S. degree in Health Education, a B.A. degree in Flagship Chinese Language, and an academic minor in Holistic Health Studies. Dr. Ma is a licensed Registered Nurse in New York and California, and has a multi-state license from New Jersey.As an aspiring nurse in the healthcare field, Dr. Ma worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant in nursing homes and senior daycare centers, and has gained a variety of inpatient clinical nurse experience at NYU Langone Health, Mount Sinai Hospital, and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Additionally, she obtained her initial outpatient NP experience at Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Along with her healthcare experience, she was a member of the Chinese Flagship program at SFSU, where she studied abroad in China and Taiwan to develop her Chinese language skill. . Her top areas of expertise are Acne, Rosacea, Hidradenitis Suppurativa, Atopic Dermatitis, and Tissue Biopsy.
The proper treatment, including thorough cleaning, should get rid of the lice.
Scratching can make the skin raw or cause a skin infection.
Contact your provider for an appointment if:
- You or your sexual partner has symptoms of pubic lice
- You try over-the-counter lice treatments, and they are not effective
- Your symptoms continue after treatment
Avoid sexual or intimate contact with people who have pubic lice until they have been treated.
Bathe or shower often and keep your bedding clean. Avoid trying on bathing suits while you are shopping. If you must try on swimwear, be sure to wear your underwear. This may prevent you from getting or spreading pubic lice.
Published Date: October 13, 2024
Published By: Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Burkhart CN, Burkhart CG, Morrell DS. Infestations. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 84.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Lice. Treatment of pubic lice. www.cdc.gov/lice/treatment/pubic-lice.html. Updated November 12, 2024. Accessed March 10, 2025.
Katsambas A, Dessinioti C. Parasitic diseases of the skin. In: Kellerman RD, Rakel DP, Heidelbaugh JJ, Lee EM, eds. Conn's Current Therapy 2024. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:1127-1132.
Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al. Arthropod bites and infestations. In: Kleigman RM, Blum NJ, Tasker RC, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 709.