Publication Type: | Journal Article |
Year of Publication: | 2022 |
Authors: | R. Correia-Barbosa, Basto, R., Viana, A. Rita, Reis-Silva, A., Bastos, R. |
Journal: | Cureus |
Volume: | 14 |
Issue: | 5 (e25383) |
Pagination: | 4 pp |
Date Published: | May-27-2022 |
ISSN: | 2168-8184 |
Keywords: | Blepharitis, eyelash, eyelid, Parasitosis |
Abstract: | Phthiriasis palpebrarum is a rare parasitosis of the eyelashes caused by Phthirus pubis. This report describes an atypical case of this disease. A 72-year-old female patient suffered prolonged symptoms of severe left eye pruritus for 18 months, refractory to conventional eyelid hygienic measures, and anti-histaminic and corticosteroid medications. Slit-lamp examination showed multiple translucent oval structures adherent to the upper eyelashes, and 18 crab-like lice, which were mechanically removed and characterized as Phthirus pubis. Treatment was started with corticosteroid and antibiotic ointment, vaseline, and Blephademodex® wipes (Laboratoires Théa, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France). After 2 weeks, all symptoms had subsided completely. Although rare, phthiriasis palpebrarum may be easily confused with frequent palpebral pathologies like blepharitis. A careful slit-lamp examination is central for proper evaluation and diagnosis. Mechanical removal of the lice is the most effective treatment but should be complemented by topical and/or systemic treatment. This report presented an atypical case of this disease. |
URL: | https://www.cureus.com/articles/97963-eyelid-infestation-a-case-report-of-atypical-phthiriasis-palpebrarum#!/ |
DOI: | 10.7759/cureus.25383 |
Eyelid Infestation: A Case Report of Atypical Phthiriasis Palpebrarum
Taxonomic name:
File attachments: