TLDR: Crabs
Crabs (pubic lice) are tiny parasitic insects that live in coarse body hair, usually around the pubic area. They’re common and treatable.
Mostly through close skin-to-skin contact during sex. They can also spread through sharing bedding, towels or clothing.
The main symptom is itching, often worse at night. You might also notice small red or blue bite marks, irritation, or visible lice or eggs in the hair. Some people have no symptoms at all.
Treatment involves special creams or shampoos from a pharmacy or sexual health clinic. Wash clothes, towels and bedding at a high temperature. Avoid sex until 7 days after treatment and let recent partners know so they can treat themselves too.
It’s understandable - but there’s no shame in it. Crabs are common and easily treated. Getting checked and treated is simply looking after your health.
Finding out you might have crabs can feel overwhelming or embarrassing, but you’re not alone, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Crabs are a common and treatable condition, and the sooner you treat them, the easier it is to manage your sexual health and your mental health. So let’s break down what they are, how you get them, and how to treat them.
What are crabs?
Pubic lice, better known as crabs, are tiny parasitic insects that live in coarse body hair. They’re most often found around the pubic area. They’re called “crabs” because of their crab-like appearance when seen through a microscope.
How do you catch crabs?
Crabs are usually passed on through close skin-to-skin contact, most often during sex. But they can also be spread through sharing towels, bedding, or clothes. They can affect anyone who comes into contact with them.
Crabs symptoms
The most common symptom of public lice is itching – especially at night. This can range from a mild irritation to intense itching. It’s caused by the movement of the lice across your body and through your hair, and the body’s reaction to the proteins in their saliva.
Symptoms can also include:
- Small blue or red spots where the lice have bitten
- Lice or eggs (nits) in your pubic hair
- Irritation or inflammation in the affected area
Some people may not experience any symptoms and still have crabs. If you’re unsure, it’s okay to speak to a doctor, pharmacist, or a sexual health clinic—they’ve seen it all before, and they’re there to help.
Treatment for crabs
Crabs are easily treated with specific creams or shampoos you can get from a pharmacy, GP, or sexual health clinic. Follow the instructions carefully, and wash all bedding, towels, and clothes at a high temperature to kill any lingering lice.
Let any recent sexual partners know so they can get treated too—even if they don’t have any symptoms. If you’re struggling to communicate with your partner, here are a few helpful tips to get you started:
Be straightforward and honest
Remember, you’ve done the right thing by recognising this and looking after both of your sexual health. Try to stick to the facts to avoid the conversation becoming emotionally-charged.
Reassure them that it’s temporary
Once identified, crabs can be treated within 7 days. After a successful treatment, your normal sex life can resume after 2-3 weeks.
Show you care
You took a test because you care, and you’re now showing this care towards your sexual partner. You’re prioritising you and your partner’s health and avoiding any future complications.
How soon can I have sex again after catching pubic lice?
The recommended time is 7 days after your treatment is completed. However, it’s best to check with your GP or health provider as they may suggest a repeat treatment if your symptoms haven’t completely disappeared.
Managing your emotions
Finding out that you’ve got crabs can bring up a lot of emotions, all of which are completely valid. It’s important to look after your mental health during this time and remember that crabs are quickly and easily treated.
If you’ve read this far, then you already know the right steps to take in managing your sexual health. However, if your sexual health is affecting your mental health then it might be good to talk about it.
The Mix Community is a place to chat about anything you might be going through with other young people.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, or anxious about your upcoming results, here are a few things that might help:
Write down all of your worries
Our minds get really busy when we receive unexpected news. A great way to slow them down is to write out all of your thoughts on paper or your phone. This allows you to tackle each thought one by one and gives you back a sense of control. If you have any unanswered questions then make a note of them and ask your GP.
Limit screen time
When we’re feeling anxious about our health we’re more likely to doomscroll. This is when we search endlessly through the internet for information that either confirms or denies our thoughts. While finding relevant information about your sexual health can be beneficial, it’s easy to get lost down an internet rabbit hole.
Make sure to take breaks, set boundaries and limit your screen time if you find that you’re spending a lot of time browsing information that isn’t ultimately helpful.
Be proud of yourself
It’s important to remember that you have done the right thing by prioritising your health and the health of others. Treatment for crabs is fast and effective, and you’ll be back to your normal, healthy self in 2-3 weeks.
For more resources on how to manage your mental health, check out our Mental Health section.
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