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  • DSHS HIV/STD Program

    Post Office Box 149347, MC 1873
    Austin, Texas 78714

    Phone: 737-255-4300

    Email the HIV/STD Program

    Email data requests to HIV/STD Program - This email can be used to request data and statistics on HIV, TB, and STDs in Texas. It cannot be used to get treatment or infection history for individuals, or to request information on programs and services. Please do not include any personal, identifying health information in your email such as HIV status, Date of Birth, Social Security Number, etc.

    For treatment/testing history, please contact your local Health Department.

    For information on HIV testing and services available to Persons Living with HIV and AIDS, please contact your local HIV services organization.

Pubic Lice Fact Sheet

Lice
OTHER NAMES Crabs, Pediculosis pubis, cooties
ORGANISM Louse: Phthirus pubis
TRANSMISSION Passed by skin to skin contact with infected person or by infested sheets, towels, and clothing.
INCUBATION Eggs hatch after 3 to 14 days.
TYPICAL SYMPTOMS Some people may not have any symptoms. Others have intense itching, blue or gray spots, and insects or nits (eggs) in the pubic area. Some people may also have pinhead-size blood spots on underwear.
DIAGNOSIS Microscopic examination of nits on hair and locating adult lice adhering to hair.
TREATMENT Cured with special creams, lotions, or shampoos that can be bought at drugstores. Some products require a prescription while others do not. Bedding, clothing, towels must be laundered in hot water. Combs and brushes should be soaked in hot water.
PREVENTION Avoid physical/skin to skin contact with infested individuals and their belongings, especially clothing and bedding.
DANGER None.
COMMENTS To prevent getting lice again, sex partners and household contacts should be treated at the same time.

DSHS Electronic Publication Number E13-11905

Last updated March 17, 2015