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Crab lice

Crab lice

Overview

This photograph shows pubic lice clinging to individual hairs (the small, whitish specks). The reddish, crusted areas with scabs (excoriated areas) are caused by scratching. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

Review Date 10/13/2024

Updated by: Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.