- Itching of the pubic area is the main symptom.
- Pubic hair contains gray bugs (lice) 1/16-inch long, that move quickly, and are difficult to see.
- Nits (white or tan eggs) cemented to hair shafts near the skin (usually within 1/2 inch or 12 mm). Unlike dandruff or sand, nits can't be shaken off the hair shafts.
General Information
- Pubic lice are tiny wingless insects that live only on human beings.
- The primary mode of transmission is via the skin-to-skin contact that occurs during sexual intercourse. Lice are very contagious. There is a 95% chance of transmission during a single episode of sexual intercourse. Rarely they may be transmitted via objects such as infected bed linens or toilet seats.
- Pubic lice are annoying but cause no serious health problems.
- They are also referred to as "crabs."
- Up to 30 % of individuals with pubic lice also have another sexually transmitted disease.
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If not, see these other symptoms
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