What are pubic lice?

Pubic lice is caused by tiny mites or lice. Pubic lice live in coarse body hair such as pubic hair, chest and underarm hair. They sometimes live in eyebrows or eyelashes but not on head hair.

How are they passed on?

Unprotected sex with an infected person, and occasionally through other close physical contact or sharing sheets/towels.


Signs and symptoms

Tests and treatment

• For both scabies and pubic lice, the skin will be examined and a skin flake may be taken to test for mites or lice.
  
• Scabies and pubic lice are easily treated with a special lotion or shampoo. These kill the mites or lice and their eggs. To avoid re-infection, close contacts or sexual partners should also be treated.
  
• Neither scabies or pubic lice cause any long term health problems.

Long Term effects

None following treatment, but it's a good idea to have another check-up to make sure the lice are gone.

For more STI info: www.ruthinking.co.uk, www.fpa.org.uk, STD Factfile