The crab louse or pubic louse Pthirus pubis is an insect that is an obligate ectoparasite of humans , feeding exclusively on blood. Although the louse cannot jump, it can also live in other areas of the body that are covered with coarse hair, such as the eyelashes. Humans are the only known hosts of the crab louse, although a closely related species, Pthirus gorillae , infects gorilla populations. The human parasite diverged from Pthirus gorillae approximately 3. Infestation with crab lice is also called phthiriasis or phthiriasis pubis.
Pubic lice (crabs) - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Pubic lice Pthirus pubis —more commonly known as crabs—are parasitic insects that derive their name from their crab-like appearance. They are notorious for infesting pubic hair but can also be found on facial hair, the hair of armpits, and even on eyebrows and eyelashes. Typically spread through sexual contact, the insects can only survive for a short period of time away from the warmth and humidity of the human body. The infestation, referred to as pediculosis pubis , can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription topical drugs. Pubic lice are not the same thing as head lice. Head lice involve a different type of insect Pediculus humanus capitis that are more easily transmitted through casual contact.
What Does Lice Look Like? These 3 Photos Show Head, Pubic, and Body Lice
Suffering from an intense itching in your pubic region that simply refuses to die down? You may be having Pubic Lice. Pubic Lice is a disease that affects hair, especially of the pubic region — the area of the body that is just above the genitals. The Pubic Lice can also be found in other hairy areas of the body such as eyebrows and armpit.
You or your doctor can usually confirm a pubic lice infestation through a visual examination of your pubic area. The presence of moving lice confirms infestation. Lice eggs nits also may indicate an infestation.