Phthiriasis palpebrarum: A case of eyelash infestation with Pthirus pubis

Abstract

Abstract. Phthiriasis palpebrarum is a rare type of eyelid infestation. In the present study, a 63-year-old woman presented with a case of phthiriasis palpebrarum, which was initially misdiagnosed as anterior blepharitis. The patient had a 2-month history of repeated episodes of itching and burning sensations and moderate pain in both eyes that were not improved by antibiotic and corticosteroid eye drops. Slit lamp examination revealed lice and nits anchored to the eyelashes. All eyelashes were removed from the base along with lice and nits. The patient recovered fully within 2 weeks with no further management, and no evidence of lice or nits was found at the follow up. In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggests that patients presenting with itching of the eyelids and with clinical findings resembling seborrhea accumulation on the eyelashes should be carefully examined by prolonged observation with a slit lamp.

Pubic lice infestation in man from Mhow, Madhya Pradesh

“…Phthirus pubis as a causative agent for various conditions, viz. axillary pruritus in a 62 year-old HIV infected man from United States, blepharitis in a 42-year-old woman from Turkey and Phthiriasis palpebrarum in a 63-year-old woman from China has been reported by So and Carlos (2014), Sundu et al (2015) and Wu et al 2017, respectively. Although P. pubis prefers the pubic area it is also recorded from armpits, eyebrows, eyelashes, and beard (Couch et al 1982).…”

Phthiriasis palpebrarum in a woman's eyelashes

“…Generally, Pthirus pubis , the infection source of Phthiriasis palpebrarum, mainly infests the pubic hair but also appears rarely on the eyelashes. 1 In such case, patient may complain of palpebral pruritus, hyperemia and is often misdiagnosed as conjunctivitis or blepharitis. 1 , 2 , 3 There are many options of treatment such as trimming of eyelashes, argon laser therapy, cryotherapy, 0.25% physostigmine ointment, 1% gamma benzene hexachloride cream, 1% yellow mercuric oxide ointment, Petrolatum ointment, 20% fluorescein drops, oral ivermectin and etc.…”

“… 1 In such case, patient may complain of palpebral pruritus, hyperemia and is often misdiagnosed as conjunctivitis or blepharitis. 1 , 2 , 3 There are many options of treatment such as trimming of eyelashes, argon laser therapy, cryotherapy, 0.25% physostigmine ointment, 1% gamma benzene hexachloride cream, 1% yellow mercuric oxide ointment, Petrolatum ointment, 20% fluorescein drops, oral ivermectin and etc. 1 , 2 , 3 Among all, mechanical removal is known as the most effective treatment for Phthiriasis palpebrarum.…”

“… 1 , 2 , 3 There are many options of treatment such as trimming of eyelashes, argon laser therapy, cryotherapy, 0.25% physostigmine ointment, 1% gamma benzene hexachloride cream, 1% yellow mercuric oxide ointment, Petrolatum ointment, 20% fluorescein drops, oral ivermectin and etc. 1 , 2 , 3 Among all, mechanical removal is known as the most effective treatment for Phthiriasis palpebrarum. 3 As Phthiriasis palpebrarum is generally associated with poor hygiene and sexual contact, family members and sexual partners are recommended for appropriated examination and education.…”

Insects as vectors of DNA in a forensic context

“…There are a number of lice for which humans are hosts. Pubic crab lice ( Pthirus pubis ) live predominantly in pubic hair, and occasionally may also be found in other coarse hairs such as eyelashes (Turgut, Kurt, Catak, & Demir, ; Wu, Zhang, & Sun, ). The lice rarely leave the body of the host and transfer between individuals is facilitated by body‐to‐body contact, often during sexual activity (Mumcuoglu et al, ).…”