In brief...
Pubic lice are tiny insect-like creatures which live in the genital region. They can be caught during unprotected sex or from close skin-to-skin contact. They usually cause genital itching. It is easy for us to test for lice and treat you with a lotion.
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What are pubic lice?
Pubic lice are tiny crawling creatures, which is why some people have called them 'crabs'. They are not actually an infection but an infestation, because they live on you. They are usually caught by having sex with someone who is infested with lice, but you can also catch them by close physical contact alone, or by sharing sheets or towels.
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What are the symptoms of lice?
The most common symptom of pubic lice is itching in the infested areas. You also might see the droppings from the lice, which look like a black powder, in underwear, or see their eggs on your pubic hair. It is sometimes possible to see the lice on the skin or on the pubic hair. They move incredibly slowly.
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What tests can you offer for them?
We can check for lice or their eggs or droppings.
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Should my partner(s) be checked out too?
Your sexual partner(s) should also be checked and treated in case they have lice and you become re-infected.
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What should I do after visiting shac?
Until you and/or your partner have finished the treatment, you are still infested and should avoid close contact and sharing towels.
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How can I avoid getting lice?
Unfortunately, condoms probably won't protect you from lice that can crawl across from an infested sexual partner, they will help you avoid other infections though. If you are worried that your partner might have pubic lice suggest that you both get yourselves checked out and treated, and avoid close contact with each other (and others) until you are both given the 'all clear'.
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