Pubic Lice - Crabs

Are Pubic Lice? 

• They are small, pin-head sized grey or brownish-red insects that live in the hair around the genitals. 
• They can travel to other parts of the body. 
• Lice lay small, shiny tan-coloured eggs (nits) on the hair shaft.

How Do I Get Pubic Lice? 

• From sexual skin to skin contact. 
• By sharing clothes, towels, soap, bedding, or sleeping bags.
• Pubic lice can live off the body 24-48 hours.

How Do I Know If I Have Pubic Lice?

• You may have itchiness and redness around your genitals.
• Itching is often worse at night. 
• Scratching can spread lice to other body hair and can cause the area to become red and scaly.

How Do I Treat Pubic Lice?

On Your Body:

• Shampoo with Kwellada® or Nix® shampoo (available from the drugstore without a prescription). 
• Pregnant women and young children should not use these shampoos.
• Ordinary soap or shampoo does not kill lice. 
• After shampooing, remove all eggs with a fine-toothed comb. 
• Shampoo again in 7 days.

In Your Home: 

• Wash all bedding, towels, and clothes in hot soapy water. 
• Dry laundry in hot dryer.

Other Methods:

• Put laundry in a plastic bag for 30 days and then wash. 
• Dry clean items that cannot be washed. 
• Vacuum mattresses.

How Can I Prevent The Spread Of Pubic Lice? 

• Put on clean clothing after shampooing. 
• Do not share bedding, towels or clothing. 
• Watch for signs of infection and get early treatment. 
• Ask your partner about his/her sexual history. 
• Tell your sexual partner(s) or other people in your home if you have an infection. 
• Get education, guidance and support.

For more information call or e-mail the Sexual Health Program:

Ph: 578-2513E-mail: sexualhealthprogram@brandonrha.mb.ca