pubic lice
Last reviewed 01/2018
The pubic louse is Phthirius pubis, the mature form of which is transferred during close body contact for example, sexual contact.
The major symptom is pruritus in the genital region especially in pubic hair. Examination may show the crab shaped adult louse which is brownish coloured and about 2 mm in diameter, or their ova - nits - which are a shiny white and the size of a pin head.
Diagnosis is made on the basis of the history and clinical examination.