open access

Vol 6 (2021): Continuous Publishing
Case report
Published online: 2021-07-15
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Phthiriasis palpebrarum in a Spanish infant

Carlos Izquierdo-Rodriguez12, Maria Castro-Rebollo12, Yolanda Fernandez-Miguel12, Paula Moreno-Martin12, Jesus Zarallo-Gallardo12
·
Ophthalmol J 2021;6:69-71.
Affiliations
  1. Henares University Hospital, Spain
  2. Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain

open access

Vol 6 (2021): Continuous Publishing
CASE REPORTS
Published online: 2021-07-15

Abstract

Background: Phthiriasis palpebrarum is an eyelid involvement secondary to an infestation of the eyelids by Phthirus pubis and has a low incidence.

Case presentation: A 7-year-old male child presented in the emergency room at Henares Hospital in Madrid (Spain) with a history of repeated episodes of itchiness, blepharitis, warmth sensation, and moderate discomfort of 2 months duration in both eyes. Slit-lamp examination revealed lice and nits at the roots of the eyelashes. Many treatments have been described for the treatment of phthiriasis pubis. In this case, mechanical removal and treatment with vaseline ointment were performed.

Conclusion: A careful slit-lamp examination to identify the nits and lice in the eyelashes and careful removal is necessary for the best evolution.

Abstract

Background: Phthiriasis palpebrarum is an eyelid involvement secondary to an infestation of the eyelids by Phthirus pubis and has a low incidence.

Case presentation: A 7-year-old male child presented in the emergency room at Henares Hospital in Madrid (Spain) with a history of repeated episodes of itchiness, blepharitis, warmth sensation, and moderate discomfort of 2 months duration in both eyes. Slit-lamp examination revealed lice and nits at the roots of the eyelashes. Many treatments have been described for the treatment of phthiriasis pubis. In this case, mechanical removal and treatment with vaseline ointment were performed.

Conclusion: A careful slit-lamp examination to identify the nits and lice in the eyelashes and careful removal is necessary for the best evolution.

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Keywords

phthiriasis palpebrarum; phthirus pubis; lice

About this article
Title

Phthiriasis palpebrarum in a Spanish infant

Journal

Ophthalmology Journal

Issue

Vol 6 (2021): Continuous Publishing

Article type

Case report

Pages

69-71

Published online

2021-07-15

Page views

6083

Article views/downloads

450

DOI

10.5603/OJ.2021.0013

Bibliographic record

Ophthalmol J 2021;6:69-71.

Keywords

phthiriasis palpebrarum
phthirus pubis
lice

Authors

Carlos Izquierdo-Rodriguez
Maria Castro-Rebollo
Yolanda Fernandez-Miguel
Paula Moreno-Martin
Jesus Zarallo-Gallardo

References (12)
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  2. Turgut B, Kurt J, Catak O, et al. Phthriasis palpebrarum mimicking lid eczema and blepharitis. J Ophthalmol. 2009; 2009: 803951.
  3. Ryan MF. Phthiriasis palpebrarum infection: a concern for child abuse. J Emerg Med. 2014; 46(6): e159–e162.
  4. Yi JW, Li Li, Luo DaW. Phthiriasis palpebrarum misdiagnosed as allergic blepharoconjunctivitis in a 6-year-old girl. Niger J Clin Pract. 2014; 17(4): 537–539.
  5. de Pinho Paes Barreto R, Biancardi AL, Salgueiro MJ. Chronic conjunctivitis related to phthiriasis palpebrarum. Int Ophthalmol. 2012; 32(5): 467–469.
  6. Maunder J. Lice and scabies. Dermatologic Clinics. 1998; 16(4): 843–845.
  7. Awan KJ. Cryotherapy in phthiriasis palpebrarum. Am J Ophthalmol. 1977; 83(6): 906–907.
  8. Awan KJ. Argon laser phototherapy of phthiriasis palpebrarum. Ophthalmic Surg. 1986; 17(12): 813–814.
  9. Cogan DG, Grant WM. Treatment of pediculosis ciliaris with anticholinesterase agents; report of a case. Arch Ophthal. 1949; 41(5): 627.
  10. Vaitheeswaran K, Garg S, Kaur P. Botulinum toxin A in the treatment of pthiriasis palpebrarum. J AAPOS. 2014; 18(3): 290–291.
  11. Ashkenazi I, Desatnik HR, Abraham FA. Yellow mercuric oxide: a treatment of choice for phthiriasis palpebrarum. Br J Ophthalmol. 1991; 75(6): 356–358.
  12. Burkhart CN, Burkhart CG. Oral ivermectin therapy for phthiriasis palpebrum. Arch Ophthalmol. 2000; 118(1): 134–135.

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