Medically reviewed by Amelia MacIntyre, DO Pubic lice (Phthirus pubis), also known as "crabs," are an insect infestation that ...

Pubic Lice (“crabs”) Pubic lice are neither a bacterial or viral infection, but are parasitic insects found in the genital area. Scabies occurs when there is an infestation of the skin by the lice.

If you, or a partner, have genital scabies, you could also go to a sexual health clinic for diagnosis and treatment. You can treat pubic lice at home using an insecticide lotion, available from ...