Peduculosis Pubis or crabs are insect parasites seen in pubic and other hairy parts of the body. Crab lice are small, light brown, flat insects that can be transmitted by infected clothing, bedding, toilet seats or by sexual contact. They feed on blood and lay numerous eggs throughout their 30 day lifespan. The most common symptom is severe itching in the genital region. These 'crabs' bite their host which results in the appearance of bluish spots in the genital area.
The usual means of diagnosis is a report of infestation by the victim or clinical observation of the symptoms. Doctors or other healthcare practitioners may perform a microscopic examination of the lice and/or nits for diagnosis confirmation.

Treatment
Pediculicide, a mild insecticidal shampoo or insecticidal cream such as Malathion are the most common treatment for pubic lice. Generally this treatment is quite effective. Eyelash infestations are treated with white petroleum jelly ointment for 10 days. Nits and parasites in the lashes of children can also be tweezed out carefully by a doctor. Pregnant women should not be treated with lindane, but with Rid, a liquid pediculicide, which kills both lice and eggs.

Clothes and bedding should be laundered thoroughly in boiling water or dry cleaned. Items that are inconvenient to clean, such as large quilts or blankets, can be stored away from other clothing and bedding for a month; without blood, the lice and any nits that hatch will die during this time.

Anyone who has had sexual contact with an infected person should be treated. Other household members may require treatment if symptoms emerge. Patients are advised to abstain from sexual contact for 48 hours after treatment. A follow-up examination is recommended after one week to determine if any live nits remain.