Crabs (Pubic Lice)

Crabs, also known as pubic lice, are a type of external parasite that infests human hair and skin, particularly in the genital area. The scientific name for pubic lice is Pthirus pubis.

What are Crabs?

Crabs are small, flat, parasitic insects that feed on human blood. They are usually gray or brown in color and have a distinctive crab-like appearance, with six legs and a rounded body. Adult crabs are about 1-2 millimeters long, while their eggs (nits) are even smaller.

Symptoms of Crabs

The symptoms of crabs may include:

• Intense itching in the genital area, especially at night
• Visible lice or nits (eggs) in the pubic hair
• Small, red bumps or spots on the skin
• Irritation and inflammation of the affected area
• Blue-gray spots on the skin, caused by the lice's saliva

Transmission of Crabs

Crabs are usually transmitted through:

• Direct contact with an infected person, such as during sex or intimate contact
• Sharing personal items, like towels or bedding, that have come into contact with an infected person's skin or hair
• Using a public toilet seat or other public area where an infected person has been

Treatments for Crabs

The treatments for crabs typically involve:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as permethrin cream rinse or pyrethrin shampoo, applied to the affected area and left on for a specified time before rinsing off
• Prescription medications, like malathion lotion or ivermectin cream, for more severe cases or when OTC treatments are not effective
• Removing nits from hair using a fine-tooth comb or tweezers
• Washing and drying clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water and high heat to kill lice and nits
• Dry cleaning or sealing in a plastic bag for at least 2 weeks any items that cannot be washed or dried

Prevention of Crabs

To prevent getting crabs, it is recommended to:

• Avoid sharing personal items, like towels or bedding
• Use a condom during sex to reduce the risk of transmission
• Avoid close contact with someone who has crabs
• Wash and dry clothing, bedding, and towels regularly, especially after travel or intimate contact with someone new

Complications of Crabs

If left untreated, crabs can lead to complications such as:

• Secondary infections, like bacterial or fungal infections, due to scratching and irritation
• Allergic reactions to the lice's saliva or feces
• Discomfort and embarrassment due to the visible presence of lice or nits