Pubic lice

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Crab louse, female Pubic louse-male Crab lice Head louse and pubic louse

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Pubic lice

• Itching in pubic hair region
• Eggs (nits) or actual adult lice may be seen
• Genital lesions due to bites
• Other genital lesions consisting of scratched areas and possibly secondary infections

An examination of the external genital region typically reveals small gray-white oval eggs (nits) attached to the hair shaft and may reveal adult lice. Scratch marks or signs of secondary infection such as impetigo may also be noted.

Adult lice may be easily identified under the microscope. Their crab-like appearance is the reason that pubic lice are referred to as "the crabs."

Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 5th ed. London, UK: Churchill Livingstone, Inc.; 2000:2972-2973.

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