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Pubic lice

Alternative Names:

Pediculosis - pubic lice; Lice - pubic; Crabs

Symptoms:

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

Signs and tests:

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."

References:

Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 5th ed. London, UK: Churchill Livingstone, Inc.; 2000:2972-2973.

Crab louse, female

Pubic louse-male

Crab lice

Head louse and pubic louse

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.

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