What is another name for pediculosis pubis?

Pediculosis pubis is another name for an infestation by pubic lice, which are tiny parasitic insects that primarily inhabit the coarse hair in the pubic area but can also be found in other areas of the body with coarse hair, such as the armpits or chest in adults. These insects feed on human blood and can cause significant itching and discomfort.

The term "public lice" accurately describes the specific type of lice responsible for this condition. Understanding the terminology is essential for correctly identifying the condition and discussing appropriate treatments, as pubic lice require distinct interventions compared to head lice or body lice. While scabies is a skin condition caused by a different type of parasite (the mite Sarcoptes scabiei), head lice and body lice refer to different lice species that affect the scalp and body, respectively.