STI - Sexually Transmitted Infections (pamphlet)

Pubic Lice & Scabies

What is it?

Pubic lice are also known as “crabs”. They are usually found around the genitals in the pubic hair. Lice look like tiny crabs. They are grey or brownish red. Lice live by feeding on human blood. They lay their eggs at the base of the hair. Their eggs are called nits.

Scabies are tiny mites that burrow below the surface of the skin and lay eggs. You can’t see scabies but a rash and itching are common symptoms.

How do you get it?

Pubic lice and scabies are transmitted both by sexual and non-sexual contact. An example of non-sexual contact is sharing towels with an infected person. Pubic lice and scabies can live on object such as towels, bedding and mattresses.

How can you tell you have it?

If you have pubic lice or scabies the parts of the body that have been infected may feel itchy. For pubic lice, you might see tiny light brown insects or oval, whitish eggs on the hair. For scabies, itching occurs mainly at night and a rash may appear between you fingers, on your wrists, abdomen, ankles, on the bend of you elbows or around you genitals. 

How do you get tested?

You can usually tell if you have pubic lice by finding the adult lice or eggs on the hair. If you are not sure if you have pubic lice or scabies, see a doctor or nurse.

How is it treated?

Pubic Lice and scabies are treated with special creams, lotions or shampoos available at the drug store. Ask the pharmacist for help and then follow the directions carefully. Your partners, friends and family may also have lice or scabies and have to be treated too. Infants, females who are pregnant and females who are breast feeding need a different treatment. Speak with a pharmacist to make sure that you use a treatment that will not be harmful.

You will need to:

• dry clean or machine wash all of your clothing in hot water
• wash all bed linen in hot water
• store quilts and blankets for one week in closed plastic bags if you cannot wash them
• vacuum everything that has been in contact that you cannot wash [mattress, carpets, etc.]