Pubic lice

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Crab lice

Crab louse, female

Head louse and pubic louse

Pubic louse-male

Pediculosis - pubic lice; Lice - pubic; Crabs

• Itching in pubic hair region
• Eggs (nits) or actual adult lice may be seen
• Genital lesions due to bites
• Other genital lesions consisting of scratched areas and possibly secondary infections

An examination of the external genital region typically reveals small gray-white oval eggs (nits) attached to the hair shaft and may reveal adult lice. Scratch marks or signs of secondary infection such as impetigo may also be noted.

Adult lice may be easily identified under the microscope. Their crab-like appearance is the reason that pubic lice are referred to as "the crabs."

Review Date: 10/16/2006
Reviewed By: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.