References UK clinical guidance from the NHS, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH). Last updated: April 2026.
Pubic lice (crabs) are mainly spread through close body-to-body contact during sex. However, in rare cases they can be transmitted via shared bedding, towels or clothing. The lice need body warmth to survive, so they die quickly away from the body. Sexual contact remains by far the most common route.
Order a discreet home STI test
How Pubic Lice Spread
| Route | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| Close body contact during sex | Main route |
| Shared bedding | Rare |
| Shared towels | Rare |
| Shared clothing | Very rare |
| Toilet seats | Essentially zero |
Symptoms
- Intense itching in pubic area
- Visible lice or eggs (nits) on hair
- Blue-grey spots on the skin
- Dark powder in underwear (louse droppings)
Treatment
- Insecticidal lotion or cream (permethrin or malathion)
- Wash bedding and clothing at 50°C+
- Treat sexual partners simultaneously
- Repeat treatment after 7 days
Prevention
- Avoid sharing towels and bedding with someone who has lice
- Treat all contacts simultaneously
- Washing at high temperatures kills lice and eggs
Read more: Parasitic STIs | STIs from clothing | STIs without sex
Frequently Asked Questions
Can children get pubic lice?
Rarely — pubic lice prefer coarse body hair found after puberty.
Do pubic lice carry diseases?
No — they cause itching but don’t transmit other infections.
Are pubic lice less common now?
Yes — partly due to pubic hair grooming trends.
Related reading
- Can You Catch an STI From a Toilet Seat?
- Can You Get Chlamydia From Kissing?
- Can You Get Herpes From a Toilet Seat?
- Can You Get Herpes From Kissing?
- Can You Get an STI if You're Both Virgins?
Sources
- NHS — Sexual health conditions
- BASHH — UK clinical guidelines for STI management
- British HIV Association (BHIVA) — HIV treatment guidelines
- Terrence Higgins Trust — sexual health information
- UK Health Security Agency — STI surveillance data
Steve Page is a recognised expert on Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and STD treatments, having published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented his research at conferences around the world. He has an in-depth understanding of the latest medical research on STDs, and is an advocate for the development of new treatments and protocols to improve the health of those affected. In addition to his research, he has dedicated his career to understanding the causes and symptoms of STDs, as well as how to best treat those impacted.
