Quick Answer
Pubic lice are small insects that infest coarse body hair, transmitted through close contact. They are treatable with permethrin 1% cream rinse and laundering of bedding. The main symptom is itching in the pubic area.
- Ectoparasite infestation, not an infection
- Transmission: close contact, shared bedding
- Treatment: permethrin 1% cream rinse
- Laundering: hot wash all bedding and clothing
Context Most Pages Skip
Pubic lice ("crabs") are the most straightforward STI to treat: kill the lice, wash the bedding, done.
Key Facts
Treatment is over-the-counter permethrin 1% cream rinse applied to affected areas for 10 minutes, then rinsed. Repeat 7 days later. Bedding and clothing should be washed in hot water. Sexual partners should be treated simultaneously. Itching may persist for 1-2 weeks after treatment.
⚕️ This page is educational and does not replace advice from a licensed clinician. If you may have been exposed to an STI, get tested — most infections are manageable, and many are fully curable.
Sources & Further Reading
- CDC — Sexually Transmitted Infections
- CDC STI Treatment Guidelines
- WHO — Sexually transmitted infections fact sheet
- MedlinePlus — Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Figures reflect CDC surveillance and WHO estimates; they are population statistics, not personal risk predictions.