Korean J Ophthalmol.  2003 Jun;17(1):71-73. 10.3341/kjo.2003.17.1.71.

Mechanical Treatment of Phthiriasis Palpebrarum

• Yoon KC
• Park HY
• Seo MS
• Park YG

• KMID: 754346
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3341/kjo.2003.17.1.71

Abstract

Phthiriasis palpebrarum is a rare disease in which crab lice infest the eyelashes. It can cause pruritic lid margins or unusual blepharoconjunctivitis and is difficult to diagnose and treat. We diagnosed and managed a case of phthiriasis palpebrarum in both upper eyelids, accompanied by nits, on the scalp of a 6 year-old female child. We removed the eyelashes, including lice and nits, by pulling with fine forceps without sedation. On the second month after treatment, all lice and nits were eradicated without recurrence and the eyelashes grew back. In conclusion, phthiriasis palpebrarum can be diagnosed by close examination of the eyelashes and eyelid margins with slit lamp and can be managed mechanically.

Keyword

eyelashes; crab louse; nits; phthiriasis palpebrarum

MeSH Terms

Child
*Eyelashes
Eyelid Diseases/*therapy
Female
*Hair Removal/methods
Human
Lice Infestations/*therapy
*Phthirus