Can You Get Rid of Crabs by Shaving?

You cannot get rid of crabs merely by shaving.

Shaving pubic hair alone does not get rid of crabs or pubic lice. Crabs may cling and crawl to other body hair. Pubic lice are resilient creatures that can live on other parts of the body, including the armpits and eyelashes. The typical treatment for pubic lice is a lotion containing permethrin or pyrethrin/piperonyl butoxide. They are generally considered safe, but are best avoided by patients who have known skin sensitivity. Shaving the pubic hair, applying this lotion and maintaining proper hygiene may help get rid of crabs. It is a good idea to wash towels, clothes and bedding in hot water to avoid recurrence. 

Pubic lice, also called crab lice or crabs, are a parasitic infection in humans that is generally transmitted through sexual contact or by exposure to contaminated clothing, linens or towels that have been used by an infected person. They do not actually transmit the disease but create an itching sensation that may lead to a secondary bacterial infection through breaks in the skin that were created by scratching. Pubic lice are similar to head lice, but the pubic variety is much shorter in length. They require human blood to survive. They may usually die within two days if they are unable to feed. Female lice may lay around 30 eggs during their lifespan, which lasts for around one month. When the eggs hatch after one week they become nymphs, which then molt three different times before reaching adulthood. The eggs are attached to the hair for one week before they incubate.

Initially, there may be no symptoms. The infected area may become itchy and scratching can cause irritation and inflammation. Patients may see brown eggs clinging to the hair droppings that look like black dots or. occasionally, they may see the lice moving. Sometimes, the lice may be seen in underwear or in zippers or seams of clothes.

Pubic lice are a relatively contagious and common sexually transmitted infection that occur worldwide and affect people at every level of society. Pubic lice are not known to transmit any disease. Proper hygiene can help to prevent and limit the spread of infestation. In the United States, pubic lice affect 3 million people each year, whereas the percentage of individuals who experience infestations worldwide are estimated to be approximately 2%. Although these data have remained consistent over the past few years, it has been theorized that the prevalence of pubic lice is falling, especially in more highly developed countries due to pubic-grooming practices that eliminate the ideal environment for pubic lice. Despite the discomfort of such an infestation and inconvenience of managing and eradicating it, pubic lice are one of the only sexually transmitted infections or diseases that may be self-diagnosed and self-treated. However, guidance from a trained medical professional is recommended for individuals who are pregnant, have a skin infection from scratching or notice that at-home products did not work. It is crucial to inform those who have had intimate contact with the affected person of their condition so that they too can seek treatment and avoid additional contact until the infestation is fully eradicated.