Pubic lice Pāpaka

Pubic lice are tiny parasites which can causing itching in the genital area. The lice use their claws to grab and hang on to pubic hair while feeding on blood. Pubic lice are not always a sexually transmitted infection. They are common and anyone can get them.

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How pubic lice spread

Pubic lice spread through close skin contact. They can survive for some time away from the body, so it is also possible to catch them by sharing clothes or someone's bed.

Symptoms of pubic lice

The main symptom of pubic lice is itching in the pubic or groin area. Other symptoms include:

  • skin irritation and redness caused by scratching
  • small red or blue spots on your skin caused by lice bites
  • specks of blood in your underwear
  • visible lice or eggs in your pubic hair. 

Diagnosing pubic lice

There is no specific test to diagnose pubic lice. If you have pubic lice, you should also get checked for other sexually transmitted infections. 

You can get tested at:

Treating pubic lice

There are different ointments and shampoos you can buy from the pharmacy for pubic lice. Most contain a chemical to kill the lice. 

Pubic lice are not the same as head lice. Make sure to buy the correct treatment.

Often the treatment needs to be left on overnight. Sometimes, it needs to be repeated after 10 days to kill any baby lice that survive the treatment.

Tell anyone you have been in close contact with for the last 3 months so they can also get treatment.  

Preventing pubic lice

To avoid catching pubic lice again: 

  • make sure sexual partners are treated 
  • avoid sex for 7 days after treatment 
  • wash any items that may be infected in hot water, such as bedding and clothing.