Pubic Lice (Scabs)
Pediculosis pubis
What it is
Pubic lice infestation (crabs) is the presence of lice (crabs) in pubic hair. They are mainly transmitted through intimate contact. They cause itching and can lead to redness on the skin.
Related sheet available: Head Lice
What you can do at home
What to do
- Use a pubic lice treatment product sold in pharmacies.
- Ask a pharmacist for advice on choosing the right product.
- Follow the product's instructions for use.
- Remove the nits (eggs) with a fine-tooth comb or tweezers.
- Wash your hands after applying the treatment.
- Change clothes and bedding after each treatment.
- Inform anyone with whom there has been intimate contact.
- Shaving pubic hair does not eliminate pubic lice.
To prevent reinfestation
- Cleaning the environment
- Clean clothing, bedding, and personal items used within the last 48 hours.
- Soak items in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Machine dry clothes on the hot cycle for 20 minutes.
- Store items that cannot be washed in a sealed plastic bag for 10 days.
- Vacuum mattresses.
- Clean the toilet seat.
If any lice treatment product is swallowed (ingested), immediately call the Centre antipoison du Québec at 1-800-463-5060.
Avoid
- Using a product designed for animals.
- Spraying an insecticide in the house. This measure is ineffective.
When to seek medical attention
Lice or eggs (nits) still present after 2 treatments given 3 to 7 days apart
Irritated eyes after treating infested eyelashes
Itching that continues for a week after the last treatment, even after following instructions
Skin that becomes increasingly red or swollen due to scratching
When there is a need for being tested for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs)
Need help?
Make an appointment through Clic Santé for a screening.
Call Info-Santé at 811, Option 1, to speak with a nurse at any time.
Go to the pharmacy for advice on medications or treatment.
Make an appointment at your medical clinic or CLSC.
If you do not have a family doctor, go to gap.soinsvirtuels or call 811, Option 3.
When to go to the hospital right away
Lice treatment product in the eyes with significant pain that continues after 30 minutes, even after rinsing the eye