Nits are lice eggs. Pubic lice can be transmitted by the hands to other parts of the body, or to facial hair during oral sex. Pubic lice are generally transmitted sexually, but can be transmitted by other close personal contact. Nits, or lice eggs, can survive off the body for several days. Pubic lice use claws to grasp pubic hair, and feed off blood vessels of the host human.
Some people tolerate the itching well, and realize they are infected only upon visual inspection.
In incidences of severe infection, people may experience irritability, fever and a general run-down feeling. Although the presence of pubic lice can be verified by examining a specimen beneath a microscope, this is rarely necessary. Both lice and their eggs can be seen unaided by the eye. Lice treatment is available both over the counter and by prescription. Do not use kerosene to treat lice infections.