An infestation of pubic lice can sometimes lead to minor complications.
Skin complications
Your skin can become irritated from scratching. This can cause excoriation (when the skin flakes off) or could lead to an infection, such as impetigo (a contagious bacterial skin infection) or furunculosis (boils on the skin).
Eye complications
Eye infections can happen when your eyelashes have been infested with pubic lice. Complications include:
- Blepharitis: inflammation (swelling and irritation) of the eyelids.
- Conjunctivitis: inflammation of the lining that covers the white part of your eyes and the insides of your eyelids.
- Corneal epithelial keratitis: inflammation of the cornea (the clear, outer layer at the front of your eyeball).
The above complications can usually be treated with antibiotics.
