The pubic or crab louse, colloquially termed "crabs" or "Fullers" (Pthirus pubis, commonly misspelled Phthirus pubis) is a parasitic insect species notorious for infesting human genitals. The species may also live on other areas with hair, including the eyelashes. They feed exclusively on blood. Humans and gorillas are the only known hosts of this parasite.
Pubic lice usually infect a new host only by close contact between individuals, usually th...
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The pubic or crab louse, colloquially termed "crabs" or "Fullers" (Pthirus pubis, commonly misspelled Phthirus pubis) is a parasitic insect species notorious for infesting human genitals. The species may also live on other areas with hair, including the eyelashes. They feed exclusively on blood. Humans and gorillas are the only known hosts of this parasite.
Pubic lice usually infect a new host only by close contact between individuals, usually through sexual intercourse. Parent-to-child infestations are more likely to occur through routes of shared towels, clothing, beds or closets. Adults are more frequently infested than children.
A pubic louse infestation is usually diagnosed by carefully examining pubic hair for nits, nymphs, and adults. Lice and nits can be removed either with forceps or by cutting the infested hair with scissors (with the exception of an infestation of the eye area). A magnifying glass or a stereo-microscope can be used for the exact identification. If lice are...
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