sexual health info

Pubic lice and scabies

The following are some facts you should know about pubic lice and scabies:

• Pubic lice (also called crabs) are small lice which can be found on pubic hair. They can also be found on upper thighs, armpits, eyelashes and eyebrows. The eggs are one millimetre in size and you can see them attached to the hair shaft.
• Scabies are small mites that burrow under the skin to lay their eggs. This can happen anywhere on the skin.
• Both pubic lice and scabies cause a lot of itchiness.
• Both are spread by close personal contact and are not always sexually transmitted.
• You can treat them with a lotion available at pharmacies. One or two applications will usually kill the mites and eggs.
• Pubic lice and scabies can be spread by sharing bed linen, clothes and towels.
• Anyone who has had close contact might need to be treated.

For more information, read Melbourne Sexual Health Centre's fact sheets on pubic lice and scabies.