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Pubic Lice

What are they?
Pubic lice are tiny insects that live in the pubic hair region or under the arms. They are often called ‘crabs’.

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Symptoms
Symptoms may include:

• Itching in the infected areas.
• It may be possible to see droppings from the lice in underwear (black powder) as well as eggs on pubic or other hair.

• It is sometimes possible to see lice or eggs on the pubic hair.

How do people get it?
Pubic lice are usually acquired through sexual contact but can occasionally be transferred by close physical contact or by sharing sheets or towels.

How is it diagnosed and treated?
The lice can be seen on physical examination and may be examined under a microscope. Special shampoo or lotion can treat the lice. There is no need to shave off your pubic or other body hair.

Anyone you have had recent sexual contact with should also be checked and treated. Until treatment is completed, you can pass on pubic lice between you, so you should avoid any sexual contact with anyone during treatment.

What if it is not treated?
There are no long-term effects.

Where to get help
If you think you may have pubic lice, contact your local sexual health (GUM) clinic and make an appointment. It’s easy and completely confidential.

For more information on sexual health (including HIV), call the Sexual Health Line free (from the UK) on 0800 567 123, textphone (for people with hearing impairments) 0800 521 361 or phone
your local NHS sexual health clinic.

Links and contact details

Name: NHS Direct Wales
Web: http://www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk/encyclopaedia/th/article/thrush
NHS Direct Wales – Health Encyclopedia
Email:
Tel: 0845 46 47
Info: NHS Direct Wales is a health advice and information service available 24 hours a day, every day that was set up by the Welsh Assembly Government.

GUM Clinics in South East Wales

ABERDARE
Aberdare General Hospital
Aberdare, CF44 0RF
Tel: 01443 443597
Opening Times: Tue & Thu, 9.30am – 12.30pm

CARDIFF
Cardiff Royal Infirmary
Newport Road, Cardiff, CF24 0SZ
Tel: 029 2033 5207 / 8
Opening times: Mon, Tues, Thurs 8.40 a.m – 5.00 p.m; Wednesday – Closed; Friday Afternoon – Closed (Closed for lunch 12.15 – 1.15 p.m.)

NEWPORT
Royal Gwent Hospital
Cardiff Road, Newport, NP2 2UB
Tel: 01633 234555
Opening times: Mon – Fri, 9.00am – 12.30pm; 1.30pm – 4.30pm

PONTYPOOL
Panteg County Hospital
Coed-Y-Cric Road, Griffiths Town, Pontypool, NP4 5YA
Tel: 01633 234555
Opening times: Mon, 5.00pm – 7.30pm

PONTYPRIDD
Students Health Centre
Dewi Sant Hospital
University of Glamorgan, Pontypridd, CF37 1DL
Tel: 01443 443597
Opening times: Tue, 9.00am – 12.30pm

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