Phthiriasis palpebrarum: A case of eyelash infestation with Pthirus pubis

Wu,Na; Zhang,Hong; Sun,Feng  Yuan

doi:10.3892/etm.2017.4187

May-2017 Volume 13 Issue 5

Full Size Image

Journals

International Journal of Molecular Medicine

International Journal of Molecular Medicine is an international journal devoted to molecular mechanisms of human disease.

International Journal of Oncology

International Journal of Oncology is an international journal devoted to oncology research and cancer treatment.

Molecular Medicine Reports

Covers molecular medicine topics such as pharmacology, pathology, genetics, neuroscience, infectious diseases, molecular cardiology, and molecular surgery.

Oncology Reports

Oncology Reports is an international journal devoted to fundamental and applied research in Oncology.

Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine

Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine is an international journal devoted to laboratory and clinical medicine.

Oncology Letters

Oncology Letters is an international journal devoted to Experimental and Clinical Oncology.

Biomedical Reports

Explores a wide range of biological and medical fields, including pharmacology, genetics, microbiology, neuroscience, and molecular cardiology.

Molecular and Clinical Oncology

International journal addressing all aspects of oncology research, from tumorigenesis and oncogenes to chemotherapy and metastasis.

World Academy of Sciences Journal

Multidisciplinary open-access journal spanning biochemistry, genetics, neuroscience, environmental health, and synthetic biology.

International Journal of Functional Nutrition

Open-access journal combining biochemistry, pharmacology, immunology, and genetics to advance health through functional nutrition.

International Journal of Epigenetics

Publishes open-access research on using epigenetics to advance understanding and treatment of human disease.

Medicine International

An International Open Access Journal Devoted to General Medicine.

May-2017 Volume 13 Issue 5

Full Size Image

Article

Phthiriasis palpebrarum: A case of eyelash infestation with Pthirus pubis

Authors:
- Na Wu
- Hong Zhang
- Feng Yuan Sun
View Affiliations / Copyright

Affiliations: Department of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin 300384, P.R. China
Pages: 2000-2002
|
Published online on: March 6, 2017

https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2017.4187
Expand metrics +

Abstract

Phthiriasis palpebrarum is a rare type of eyelid infestation. In the present study, a 63‑year‑old woman presented with a case of phthiriasis palpebrarum, which was initially misdiagnosed as anterior blepharitis. The patient had a 2‑month history of repeated episodes of itching and burning sensations and moderate pain in both eyes that were not improved by antibiotic and corticosteroid eye drops. Slit lamp examination revealed lice and nits anchored to the eyelashes. All eyelashes were removed from the base along with lice and nits. The patient recovered fully within 2 weeks with no further management, and no evidence of lice or nits was found at the follow up. In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggests that patients presenting with itching of the eyelids and with clinical findings resembling seborrhea accumulation on the eyelashes should be carefully examined by prolonged observation with a slit lamp.

View Figures

View References

1	Baskan C, Duman R, Balci M and Ozdogan S: A rare cause of blepharoconjunctivitis: Phthiriasis palpebrarum. Niger J Clin Pract. 17:817–818. 2014. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
2	Turgut B, Kurt J, Catak O and Demir T: Phthriasis palpebrarum mimicking lid eczema and blepharitis. J Ophthalmol. 2009:8039512009. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
3	Lacarrubba F and Micali G: The not-so-naked eye: Phthiriasis palpebrarum. Am J Med. 126:960–961. 2013. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
4	Anane S, Malek I, Kamoun R and Chtourou O: Phthiriasis palpebrarum: Diagnosis and treatment. J Fr Ophtalmol. 36:815–819. 2013. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
5	Anderson AL and Chaney E: Pubic lice (Pthirus pubis): History, biology and treatment vs. knowledge and beliefs of US college students. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 6:592–600. 2009. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
6	Ryan MF: Phthiriasis palpebrarum infection: A concern for child abuse. J Emerg Med. 46:e159–e162. 2014. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
7	Yi JW, Li L and da Luo W: Phthiriasis palpebrarum misdiagnosed as allergic blepharoconjunctivitis in a 6-year-old girl. Niger J Clin Pract. 17:537–539. 2014. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
8	Charfi F, Ben Zina Z, Maazoun M, Kharrat W, Sellami D, Makni F, Ayadi A and Feki J: Phthiriasis pubis palpebrarum in children. Diagnosis and treatment. J Fr Ophtalmol. 28:765–768. 2005.(In French). View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
9	Varela JA, Otero L, Espinosa E, Sánchez C, Junquera ML and Vázquez F: Pthirus pubis in a sexually transmitted diseases unit: A study of 14 years. Sex Transm Dis. 30:292–296. 2003. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
10	Workowski KA and Berman SM: Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2006. MMWR Recomm Rep. 55:79–80. 2006.
11	Pinckney J II, Cole P, Vadapalli SP and Rosen T: Phthiriasis palpebrarum: A common culprit with uncommon presentation. Dermatol Online J. 14:72008.PubMed/NCBI
12	Couch JM, Green WR, Hirst LW and de la Cruz ZC: Diagnosing and treating Pthirus pubis palpebrarum. Surv Ophthalmol. 26:219–225. 1982. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
13	Manjunatha NP, Jayamanne GR, Desai SP, Moss TR, Lalik J and Woodland A: Pediculosis pubis: Presentation to ophthalmologist as pthriasis palpebrarum associated with corneal epithelial keratitis. Int J STD AIDS. 17:424–426. 2006. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
14	Rundle PA and Hunghes DS: Pthirus pubis infestation of the eyelids. Br J Ophthalmol. 77:815–816. 1993. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
15	Kincaid MC: Pthirus pubis infestation of the lashes. JAMA. 249:5901983. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
16	Panadero-Fontán R and Otranto D: Arthropods affecting the human eye. Vet Parasitol. 208:84–93. 2015. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
17	de Pinho Paes Barreto R, Biancardi AL and Salgueiro MJ: Chronic conjunctivitis related to phthiriasis palpebrarum. Int Ophthalmol. 32:467–469. 2012. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
18	Dağdelen S, Aykan U and Cetinkaya K: Phthriasis palpebrarum can resemble tick larva infestation in an eyelid. J AAPOS. 17:440–442. 2013. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
19	Karabela Y, Yardimci G, Yildirim I, Atalay E and Karabela SN: Treatment of Phthiriasis Palpebrarum and crab louse: Petrolatum jelly and 1% Permethrin shampoo. Case Rep Med. 2015:2879062015.PubMed/NCBI
20	Sundu C, Dinç E, Kurtuluş UC and Yıldırım Ö: Common blepharitis related to Phthiriasis Palpebrarum: Argon laser phototherapy. Turkiye Parazitol Derg. 39:252–254. 2015. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
21	Elston DM: Drugs used in the treatment of pediculosis. J Drugs Dermatol. 4:207–211. 2005.PubMed/NCBI
22	Jiang J, Shen T and Hong CY: A peculiar case of eye pruritus: Phthiriasis palpebrarum initially misdiagnosed as common blepharitis. Int J Ophthalmol. 4:676–677. 2011.PubMed/NCBI
23	Ngai JW, Yuen HK and Li FC: An unusual case of eye itchiness. Hong Kong Med J. 14:414–415. 2008.PubMed/NCBI
24	Kumar N, Dong B and Jenkins C: Pubic lice effectively treated with Pilogel. Eye (Lond). 17:538–539. 2003. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
25	Thappa DM, Karthikeyan K and Jeevankumar B: Phthiriasis palpebrarum. Postgrad Med J. 79:1022003. View Article : Google Scholar : PubMed/NCBI
26	Reddy SC: Phthiriasis palpebrarum. Indian J Ophthalmol. 28:39–41. 1980.PubMed/NCBI