Pubic lice, known in the vernacular as "crabs" and scientifically as phthirus pubis, according to MedlinePlus, are parasites that infest your genital areas. In most cases, pubic lice is spread as a sexually transmitted disease (STD) when you have sexual intercourse or other sexual contact with someone already infected. The Mayo Clinic reports that you may get an infestation from bedding or clothing shared with an infected person, but that happens rarely. Treatment generally includes over-the-counter medications.
Itching
The most common symptom of pubic lice is itching in your pubic hair and all around your genitals. This is caused by the lice moving and feeding off your blood. As they go about their instinctive routines, you will feel a nearly continual need to scratch your genital area.
Spreading
While pubic lice tend to start their infestation in the genital area, they also can spread to other parts of your body as they multiply. The Mayo Clinic reports that they typically range in size from 2 to 3 mm. You may start itching in your beard or chest hair area if you're a man. Pubic lice can also spread to your stomach and the upper portion of your thighs. In addition, they may infest children's eyelashes, but this rarely happens in adults.
Nits
As the pubic lice extend their domain, they lay eggs, also known as nits, on the shafts of your individual hairs. According to the Mayo Clinic, nits may appear like dandruff or have the appearance of very small pussy willow buds. Nits are not like dandruff in that they are not easily removed from your hair. They must be killed by over-the-counter medications.
Lesions
Because pubic lice, feed off your blood by biting you, lesions can occur on your genitals. These lesions will appear as red bumps that are quite small. Because these, too, can cause itching, when you scratch, you may add scratch marks to the lesions. Scratching these bites can also lead to infection.
