Mechanical Treatment of Phthiriasis Palpebrarum.
- Author:
Kyung Chul YOON
1
;
Hong Young PARK
;
Man Seong SEO
;
Yeoung Geol PARK
Author Information
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords: eyelashes; crab louse; nits; phthiriasis palpebrarum
- MeSH: Child; *Eyelashes; Eyelid Diseases/*therapy; Female; *Hair Removal/methods; Human; Lice Infestations/*therapy; *Phthirus
- From:Korean Journal of Ophthalmology 2003;17(1):71-73
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- 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.
