Pubic lice – symptoms, transmission, protection & treatment

Pubic lice (Pthirus pubis) are small parasites that settle in the pubic hair and other hairy areas of the body, where they can cause itching and skin irritation. Although they often occur in the intimate area, they are not considered a classic sexually transmitted infection (STI) because they are not transmitted through bodily fluids, but through skin-to-skin contact.

Pubic lice are found worldwide and their eggs, also known as nits, adhere particularly firmly to the hair. Without treatment, the parasites can multiply and cause persistent itching and skin irritation.

The good news is that pubic lice are easy to treat! Special lice shampoos or medications help to get rid of the parasites quickly – but hygiene measures such as cleaning bedding and clothing are crucial to prevent reinfection.

For detailed information on sexually transmitted infections and the best protective measures, take a look at our comprehensive overview.

Pubic lice transmission routes: How do you get infected?

Since pubic lice are not transmitted through bodily fluids, their transmission differs from classic STIs such as chlamydia or HIV. Transmission occurs exclusively through close physical contact or shared objects.

• Direct skin contact – Especially during sexual or close physical contact, as pubic lice cannot jump or fly.
• Shared clothing or bedding – Pubic lice can survive for several days without a host and can thus be transmitted to other people.
• Rare: public places or toilets – Infection via toilet seats is unlikely, as pubic lice do not actively move around and need a host.

Important: Pubic lice do not only affect the genital area! They can also be found in armpit hair, beards, chest hair, or eyelashes.

What is the difference between head lice and pubic lice?

Although pubic lice and head lice are both parasites, there are important differences:

• Pubic lice (Pthirus pubis) – Prefer the genital area, but can also infest armpit hair, beards, or eyelashes - they have a wider body shape and are smaller than head lice.
• Head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis) – Only infest the hair on the head and are slimmer and more mobile than pubic lice.

Important: Both types of lice need a host to survive and lay their eggs at the roots of hair.

Pubic lice symptoms: How can I recognize an infection?

The main symptom of pubic lice is itching in the genital area, caused by the lice bites and an allergic reaction to their saliva. Typical symptoms are: 

• Severe itching in the pubic hair or other hairy areas of the body
• Small reddish spots or bite marks on the skin – often with blue discolouration (from the lice sucking blood).
• Lice or eggs (nits) in the hair – pubic lice are tiny (1-2 mm in size), grey-brownish, and difficult to spot.
• Scratching can lead to skin irritation or infection – small wounds can cause the skin to become inflamed.

How long can pubic lice eggs survive without a host?

Pubic lice eggs are extremely resilient and can survive up to 10 days outside the body before hatching. This means that reinfection is possible if infected clothing, bedding, or towels have not been thoroughly cleaned.

Adult pubic lice are, on the other hand, highly dependent on a host and survive a maximum of 24 to 48 hours without physical contact. Without a blood source, they quickly dry out and die.

• Nits adhere firmly to the hair and are difficult to remove - it is therefore important to repeat the treatment after 7-10 days to eliminate any lice that may have hatched.
• Bedding, clothing, and towels must be washed at a high temperature (at least 149°F) to kill all lice and eggs.
• Items that cannot be washed should be packed in an airtight container and stored for at least 48 hours to kill any remaining lice.

Prevention & Protection: How can I avoid infection?

Since pubic lice are not transmitted through bodily fluids but through close physical contact and shared items, classic STI protection measures such as condoms do not help against infection.

• Avoid close physical contact with infected people, especially if itching or lice are visible.
• Wash bedding, towels, and clothing regularly at a high temperature – at least 60°C – to kill lice and eggs.
• Do not share underwear, towels, or bedding with others to prevent indirect transmission.

Important: Shaving alone is not enough to remove pubic lice. Although shaving reduces the number of affected hairs, eggs can still stay attached. Treatment with special lice shampoos or creams is essential.

Common mistakes in pubic lice prevention

Many people unknowingly make mistakes that promote reinfection or spread:

• "Pubic lice can simply be washed off with water." – Wrong! Lice cling to the hair and must be treated specifically.
• "If I don't see any lice, I don't have any." – Wrong! The eggs (nits) are difficult to see and very often go unnoticed.
• "Condoms protect against pubic lice." – Wrong! Since pubic lice are transmitted through skin contact, condoms offer no protection.
• "I just need to shave my hair." – Wrong! Shaving alone does not remove all eggs - medication is required.

Pubic lice test & treatment: What to do if you suspect you have them?

Pubic lice can usually be detected with the naked eye or by severe itching in the genital area. Since they do not disappear on their own, rapid diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent further spread. Here you can find out how to detect and effectively treat pubic lice.

How do I recognize pubic lice?

Pubic lice are difficult to detect with the naked eye because they are very small and match the colour of the hair. An infestation usually manifests itself through itching in the genital area, small bluish- spots on the skin (caused by lice bites), and visible nits (pubic lice eggs) that stick to the hair.

A doctor can diagnose pubic lice through a visual examination. In some cases, a magnifying glass or special light is used to better detect lice or eggs.

Self-test: You can check for small lice or eggs stuck to the hair with a fine-toothed comb. Nits are often easier to see at the hair root.

Treatment of pubic lice: quick and effective

The good news is that pubic lice are easy to treat. The correct use of special products and thorough hygiene help to get rid of the parasites quickly.

• Lice shampoos or creams – Available at pharmacies and reliable against pubic lice and nits.
• Follow-up treatment after 7-10 days – to remove hatched lice and prevent reinfection.
• All close contacts should also be treated – even if they have no symptoms, to prevent further spread.
• Wash bedding, towels, and clothing in hot water – At least 149°F to kill lice and eggs.
• Seal non-washable items (e.g., stuffed animals or pillows) in an airtight bag – For at least 48 hours to kill the lice.

What happens if pubic lice are not treated?

Left untreated, the lice will continue to multiply rapidly, as they can reproduce approximately every 24 hours. The itching will increase, and frequent scratching can lead to skin inflammation or infection.

Without treatment, there is also a risk that the pubic lice will spread to other areas of the body or to sexual partners. Prompt and consistent treatment is therefore the best way to get rid of the parasites permanently.

Protect yourself from pubic lice

Pubic lice are unpleasant but easily treatable. Since they spread through close physical contact and shared objects, classic STI protection measures such as condoms do not help against infection.

• Avoid close physical contact with infected individuals.
• Wash bedding and clothing regularly at high temperatures.
• Use special lice shampoos or creams to get rid of the parasites.

Ensure hygienic protection and test now the Wingman sample pack – for maximum comfort and safety!