Overview
Pediculosis pubis is the medical term for pubic lice, which are also commonly called crabs. Just like head lice, pubic lice are very small insects that live by attaching themselves to human hair and feeding off human blood. The bite of the insect is what causes the intense itching that most people experience with a lice infestation. Pubic lice are often spread through sexual contact because they live in the pubic hair, though they can also live on other body hair and, therefore, may be spread by casual contact as well. The infestation can be cured by carefully combing the affected hair and applying a pediculicide (anti-lice treatment), avoiding contact with the person who spread the infection, and putting all affected garments and linens in a clothes dryer on high heat.
It is important to know that pubic lice are often transmitted along with other sexually transmitted diseases, which may require additional treatment, so it is important to speak to your doctor if you think you might have any infection or infestation.
