Unilateral Phthiriasis Palpebrarum Infestation: A Rare Presentation

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22502/jlmc.v8i2.398

Keywords:

Crab louse, Nits, Phthiriasis palpebrarum, Pruritus, Seborrheic

Abstract

Introduction: Phthiriasis palpebrarum is an uncommon eyelid infestation mainly caused by Phthirus pubis
also known as crab lice. Case report: A 16 years male presented with redness, itching and watering of the
right eye for one week. On slit-lamp biomicroscopic examination lice and nits anchored to the eyelashes
along with seborrheic material accumulation was noted. Lice, partial nits along with matted eyelashes were
removed and sent to laboratory for microscopic examination. On follow up visit remaining nits were expunged.
Conclusion: Meticulous slit lamp biomicroscopic examination should be done in all patients presenting with
itching of the eyelids in conjunction with clinical findings resembling seborrhea and evidence for Phthiriasis
palpebrarum should be looked for.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

  • Vinit Kumar Kamble, Sagarmatha Choudhary Eye Hospital, Siraha, Lahan, Nepal

    Consultant Ophthalmologist.

  • Sharad Gupta, Sagarmatha Choudhary Eye Hospital, Siraha, Lahan, Nepal

    Consultant Ophthalmologist.

  • Reena Yadav, Sagarmatha Choudhary Eye Hospital, Siraha, Lahan, Nepal

    Consultant Ophthalmologist.

  • Sanjay Kumar Singh, Sagarmatha Choudhary Eye Hospital, Siraha, Lahan, Nepal

    Consultant Ophthalmologist.

  • Bipin Bista, Sagarmatha Choudhary Eye Hospital, Siraha, Lahan, Nepal

    Consultant Ophthalmologist.

  • Nirajan Shah, Sagarmatha Choudhary Eye Hospital, Siraha, Lahan, Nepal

    Optometrist.

References

Anane S, Malek I, Kamoun R, Chtourou O. Phthiriasis palpebrarum: diagnosis and treatment. J Fr Ophthalmol. 2013;36(10);815-9. PMID: 24157356. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfo.2013.03.018

Ryan MF. Phthiriasis palpebrarum infection: A concern for child abuse. J Emerg Med. 2014;46(6):e15962. PMID: 24556565. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2013.11.090

Yi JW, Li L, Luo da W. Phthiriasis palpebrarum misdiagnosed as allergic blepharoconjunctivitis in a 6-year-old girl. Niger J Clin Pract. 2014;17(4):537-9. PMID: 24909484. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/1119-3077.134063

Lacarrubba F, Micali G: The not-so-naked eye: Phthiriasis palpebrarum. The American Journal of Medicine. 2013;126(11):960-1. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2013.08.002

Charfi F, Ben Zina Z, Maazoun M, Kharrat W, Sellami D, Makni F, et al. [Phthiriasis pubis palpebrarum in children. Diagnosis and treatment]. J Fr Ophtalmol. 2005;28 (7):765-8. PMID: 16208228. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/s0181-5512(05)80990-8

Dohvoma VA, Ebana Mvogo SR, Atangana PJA, Nyasse P, Epee E, Ebana Mvogo C. Phthirus pubis Infestation of the Eyelids Presenting as Chronic Blepharoconjunctivitis in a 6-Year-Old Girl: A Case Report. Case Rep Ophthalmol. 2018;9(1):30-34. PMID: 29643778. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1159/000485738

Le Guyader F, Charpentier P. [Phthiriasis palpebrarum in a 52-year-old woman]. J Fr Ophtalmol. 2018;41(2):196- 198. PMID: 29426762. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfo.2017.08.005

Gupta M, Gupta A. Phthiriasis palpebrarum masquerading as seborrheic blepharitis. Australas Jtol. 2016;57(4):e139-e140. PMID: 29896824. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ajd.12378

Padhi TR, Das S, Sharma S, Rath S, Rath S, Tripathy D, et al. Ocular Parasitoses: A Comprehensive Review. Surv Ophthalmol. 2017;62(2):161-89. PMID: 27720858. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.survophthal.2016.09.005

Karabela Y, Yardimci G, Yildirim I, Atalay E, Kerabela SN. Treatment of Phthiriasis Palpebrarum and crab louse: Petrolatum jelly and 1% Permethrin shampoo. Case Reports in Medicine. 2015;2015:Article ID 287906. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/287906

Sundu C, Dinç E, Kurtuluş UC, Yıldırım Ö. Common blepharitis related to Phthiriasis Palpebrarum: Argon laser phototherapy. Turkiye Parazitol Derg. 2015;39(3):252-4. PMID: 26470938. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5152/tpd.2015.3861

Elston DM. Drugs used in the treatment of pediculosis. J Drugs Dermatol. 2005;4(2):207-11. PMID: 15776778

Downloads

Published

2020-12-29

Issue

Section

Case Report

How to Cite

1.
Unilateral Phthiriasis Palpebrarum Infestation: A Rare Presentation. J Lumbini Med Coll [Internet]. 2020 Dec. 29 [cited 2026 Apr. 2];8(2):281-3. Available from: https://jlmc.edu.np/index.php/JLMC/article/view/398

Similar Articles

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.

Most read articles by the same author(s)