Pubic lice, also known as crab lice, are tiny parasites that live on coarse body hair and feed on small amounts of blood. They most commonly affect the genital area but can also appear in the armpits, chest, beard, eyebrows, or eyelashes.
They usually spread through close physical contact, particularly sexual contact, when lice move from one person’s body hair to another’s. Less commonly, they may spread through recently used towels, clothing, or bedding. Anyone can become infested, regardless of personal hygiene.
Pubic lice are different from head lice, fleas, ticks, and mites, so correct identification is important. A photograph alone cannot confirm an infestation, and other skin conditions or debris may resemble lice or their eggs.
