Transmission, symptoms and screening for pubic lice

Also called "crabs," pubic lice are small insects found in the hair of the genital organs and are transmitted during sexual contact. They can also be passed on through contact with contaminated objects such as towels, clothing, toiletries or bedding. They spread mainly to the chest, armpits and hair, but also sometimes to the eyelashes, mustache and beard.

From 2 to 6 weeks after exposure, the following symptoms can be observed:

• Skin redness and inflammation
• Small blue spots on the skin caused by insect bites
• Itching of the genitals or anal area
• Presence of eggs (nits), which look like small white spots, at the base of the hair
• Lice, grey-brown in colour and pinhead-sized (often difficult to see with the naked eye)