Definition of Pubic lice

Pubic lice: Parasitic insects found in the genital area of humans. Pubic lice are usually spread through sexual contact. Rarely, infestation can be spread through contact with an infested person's bed linens, towels, or clothes. Pubic lice are generally found in the genital area on pubic hair but may occasionally be found on other coarse body hair, such as hair on the legs, armpit, mustache, beard, eyebrows, and eyelashes. Lice found on the head are not pubic lice; they are head lice. Animals do not get or spread pubic lice. The key symptom of pubic lice is itching in the genital area. Nits (lice eggs) or crawling lice may be seen. Pubic lice are treated with topical medications such as permethrin or Lindane. Also known as crabs.