Pubic lice are tiny insects that live as parasites
on coarse body hair. They are a yellow-grey colour and are about
2mm long.
They are caught by close body contact with someone
who is infected. They do not jump or fly but crawl from hair
to hair. They cannot travel into hair on to the head. Occasionally,
they can be transferred by sharing towels, sheets, etc.
Itching in the pubic hair, underarm hair, on hairy legs, abdomens
and chest. Occasionally, this can occur in eyebrows, eyelashes
and beards. Black powder in underwear (caused by droppings from
the lice).Brown eggs on the hair.Sometimes you can see the lice
on the skin.
What will they do to me?
They won’t do
you any harm but will cause irritation and can be passed from
one person to another.
Where can I go?
GUM/Sexual Health Clinic, or a Doctor.
Can it be treated?
Yes, you will be given a special lotion or shampoo
to cover hairy areas of the skin from the neck down. The lotion
needs to stay on overnight. Bed linen and clothes should also
be washed after the treatment to avoid getting infected again.
The itching may continue for a few weeks after treatment.
Your partners will also need to be treated and you should avoid
close body contact with anyone whilst you are being treated.
