Pediculosis Pubis (Pubic Lice, Crab Lice)
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Published:2021
2021. "Pediculosis Pubis (Pubic Lice, Crab Lice)", Red Book: 2021–2024 Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases, Committee on Infectious Diseases, American Academy of Pediatrics, David W. Kimberlin, MD, FAAP, Elizabeth D. Barnett, MD, FAAP, Ruth Lynfield, MD, FAAP, Mark H. Sawyer, MD, FAAP
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Pruritus of the anogenital area is a common symptom in pubic lice infestations (“crabs” or “phthiriasis”). Adult lice (1–2 mm long and flattened, tan to grayish-white with 4 of its 6 legs terminating in crab-like claws) or eggs (match hair color) and nits (empty egg casings, white) are found on hair, particularly near the hair-skin junction. The parasite most frequently is found in the pubic region, but infestation can involve other coarse body hair, including the eyelashes, eyebrows, beard, axilla, legs, perianal area, and rarely, the scalp. A characteristic sign of heavy pubic lice infestation is the presence of...