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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you have pubic lice (crabs), you may experience:
- Itching. You may have intense itching in your pubic region.
- Lice in your pubic hair. These lice may spread to your upper thighs, stomach, chest and beard. In children, pubic lice may infest the eyelashes. Pubic lice are about 0.08 to 0.12 inches (2 to 3 millimeters) in size.
- Lice eggs (nits) on hair shafts. Nits resemble tiny pussy willow buds, though much smaller. Nits can be mistaken for dandruff, but unlike dandruff, they can't be easily brushed out of hair.
- Genital lesions due to bites. Small, red bumps can occur and you may have marks from scratching due to itching.
When to see a doctor
Usually you can get rid of pubic lice by taking self-care steps that include using a nonprescription shampoo, such as Rid or Nix, that's specifically formulated to kill lice.
However, see your doctor if:
- Nonprescription shampoo doesn't kill the lice (your doctor can prescribe a stronger shampoo)
- You're pregnant (don't use any anti-lice shampoo until you talk to your doctor)
- You have any infected skin abrasions from scratching
