Pubic Lice Q&As

Answers to Questions About Pubic Lice

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

* Have I got pubic lice because I haven't been hygienic?
* How do I tell the difference between head lice and pubic lice?
* My partner has just told me he has pubic lice and I should go get checked. What should I do?

Have I got pubic lice because I haven't been hygienic?
No, you can get pubic lice regardless of how clean you are.

Explanation
Pubic lice live on hairs. They are passed when you are in contact with someone who has the infection, or possibly if you share or sleep in bedding or wear clothing of someone with the infection. It doesn't really matter how clean you are; lice live on the hairs no matter how clean you stay and you can't wash them away. You will need to use lotions or shampoos specifically designed to get rid of the lice as they won't go away without treatment.

Further information
* Sexual Health and National AIDS Helpline
0800 567 123;
* Condom Essential Wear
www.condomessentialwear.co.uk;

Sources
* Pattman RSM, Handy P, Sankar K N, et al. Oxford handbook of genitourinary medicine, HIV and AIDS. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005;
* Pubic lice. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 25 February 2009;

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How do I tell the difference between head lice and pubic lice?
There are some differences in size but you will mainly be able to tell by where they are found.

Explanation
Head lice are a bit bigger than pubic lice so they may be more noticeable. Head lice are only found on the head.

Pubic lice are found mainly on the coarse hair around the genitals and anus, but they may be on the eyelashes, abdomen (tummy), back, armpit and head.

Pubic lice and head lice can be confused with clothing lice which only live on clothes and don't live on the body.

Scabies is also sometimes confused with pubic lice. Scabies occurs in the same areas as pubic lice but can also occur anywhere on the body, such as in-between the fingers, on wrists, elbows and women's breasts. They don't usually live on the head or neck.

All these infections can be passed to others and should be treated promptly.

Your GP or pharmacist will be able to explain the treatments you will need if you have any of these infections.

Further information
* Sexual Health and National AIDS Helpline
0800 567 123;
* Condom Essential Wear
www.condomessentialwear.co.uk;

Sources
* Pubic lice. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 25 February 2009;

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My partner has told me that he has pubic lice and I should go get checked. What should I do?
Go to your GP or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic to get treated if your partner has the infection.

Explanation
It may be embarrassing or upsetting but you need to make sure you don't have the infection, even if you don't have symptoms. You could pass the infection to someone else. Tell any recent sexual partners of their risk if you have the infection as you may have passed it to them. You can do this anonymously at some GUM clinics.

Further information
* Sexual Health and National AIDS Helpline
0800 567 123;
* Condom Essential Wear
www.condomessentialwear.co.uk;

Sources
* Pubic lice. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. www.cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 25 February 2009;

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Related topics
* Sexual Health Advice & Leaflets