Crab Lice Definition & Overview

Get Email Updates

Related Checklists

Crab Lice Guide

Rosa Cabrera RN Guide

Have a question? We're here to help. Ask the Community.

ASK

Free Newsletter

Receive the latest and greatest in women's health and wellness from EmpowHER!

Definition

Crabs, or pubic lice, are tiny, barely visible parasites (scientific name Pthirus pubis ) that live in the pubic area and cause itching. ("Lice" is plural; the singular is "louse"). Pubic lice are commonly called crabs because they are shorter and rounder than head and body lice, making them resemble crabs. They are usually found in the pubic hair, but can also be found in other body areas with short hair (eg, eyelashes, eyebrows, armpits, mustache).

Pubic Louse

Nucleus factsheet image
© 2009 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

More Crab Lice Information

  • 0 comments

    Yes. In the United States, there are an estimated three million cases of crabs every year. Crabs – also called pubic lice – are small parasites.

    Do People Still Get Crabs?

ASK Your Health Question

It's FREE and you'll get a response within 24 hours

ASK

Improved

620 Health

Changed

293 Lives

Saved

210 Lives
1 lives impacted in the last 24 hrs Learn More


  

Connect with Women Like You 22 Women Care About this Condition

You're not alone. Connect with other women who are going through what you're going through, who understand and are here for you!

+ Join this Community

Take our Featured Poll

Have you ever had problems with your mental health? What did you do about it? :
View Results