n. a widely distributed genus of lice. The crab (or pubic) louse, P. pubis, is a common parasite of humans that lives permanently attached to the body hair, particularly that of the pubic or perianal regions but also on the eyelashes and the hairs in the armpits. Crab lice are not known to transmit disease but their bites can irritate the skin (see pediculosis). An infestation may be acquired during sexual intercourse or from hairs left on clothing, towels, and lavatory seats.
Small, wingless insects (PHTHIRUS PUBIS) that live in the pubic hair and feed on blood. Also called crab lice or crabs, they are usually spread by sexual contact. A louse has a flattened body, up to 2 mm across. Female lice lay eggs (nits) on the hair, where they hatch about 8 days later. On men, the lice may also be found in hair around the anus, on the legs, on the trunk, and even in facial hair. The bites sometimes cause itching. Children can become infested by transmission from parents, and the lice may live on the eyelids. An insecticide lotion kills the lice and eggs.... pubic lice
n. an infestation with lice, which causes intense itching; continued scratching by the patient may result in secondary bacterial infection of the skin. Head lice (pediculosis capitis; see Pediculus) are quite common in schoolchildren and do not indicate poor hygiene; they may be treated with *malathion or other pediculicide lotions and/or by the use of a fine-toothed nit comb. By contrast, body lice (pediculosis corporis) often affect the homeless and others without access to washing facilities. Pubic (or crab) lice (*Phthirus pubis) are commonly sexually transmitted and respond to the same treatment as head lice.... pediculosis
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