ABSTRACT
Purpose: To study the clinical presentations and outcomes of phthiriasis palpebrarum (PP) managed with combined treatment modality comprising of 20% fluorescein dye, mechanical removal of the ectoparasites, and topical application of antibiotic eye ointment with paraffin base. Methods: This is a prospective interventional noncomparative hospital?based series of 13 patients of PP. All the patients underwent local application of 20% fluorescein dye over the eyelashes and eyebrows of both the eyes followed by the mechanical removal of all the ectoparasites and trimming of the eyelashes from the base followed by application of ophthalmic ointment. Results: Mean age of the patients was 28 � 22 years (range 3� Years). Out of the total of 13 patients, 11 patients (85%) were having bilateral involvement. The mean duration of symptoms in 11 patients (rest 2 were accidental findings) was 4 � 3 weeks (range 1� weeks). Three patients (23%) had a history of sexual contact with possible parasite?infested partners. Four patients (31%) had additional parasites in the pubic area or torso. All the patients were completely parasite free at the end of 1 month. There was no infestation of the treating medical personnel from the patient. The average follow?up was 8 � 5 months (range 3� months). Conclusion: Itching and irritation of the eyes were the most common presentations of PP. Combined treatment modality comprising of 20% fluorescein dye, mechanical removal of ectoparasites, and topical application of antibiotic eye ointment with paraffin base is effective in the management of PP
ABSTRACT
In humans, Pthirus pubis or crab louse usually infests hair of pubic region. Phthiriasis palpebrarum (infestation of the eyelashes and eyelids) is not as rare as is reported in literature, especially in low socioeconomic communities. It is possible that the disease is being perhaps missed due to its clinical similarity with anterior blepharitis. The nits and adult lice adhering to the eyelashes can easily be overlooked. This study presents five cases of phthiriasis palpebrarum, coming from the same locality and socioeconomic background, presenting with itching, hyperemia of lids, and excoriation of skin. Two patients were misdiagnosed elsewhere. All were successfully treated. The presence of P. pubis reflects the low level of health and hygiene of that stratum of the society. Higher prevalence could be related to rapid urbanization, overcrowding, and extreme poverty. The health-care providers and policymakers should give more merit to this not so uncommon disease having high morbidity.
ABSTRACT
Ectoparasites are the parasites that live primarily on the surface of the host. We report a case of a 40-year-old woman who phthiriasis palpebrarum, presented with signs and symptoms of a common eye condition blephero conjunctivitis. She was diagnosed to have phthiriasis palpebrarum. The infestation by this organism is regarded as a marker for other sexuallytransmitted disease (STD) infections like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes genitalis and trichomonas.
ABSTRACT
Pediculosis seems to have afflicted humans since the most ancient times and lice have been found in several ancient human remains. Examination of the head hair and pubic hair of the artificial mummy of Ferdinand II of Aragon (1467-1496), King of Naples, revealed a double infestation with two different species of lice, Pediculus capitis, the head louse, and Pthirus pubis, the pubic louse. The hair samples were also positive for the presence of mercury, probably applied as an anti-pediculosis therapy. This is the first time that these parasites have been found in the hair of a king, demonstrating that even members of the wealthy classes in the Renaissance were subject to louse infestation.
Subject(s)
Animals , History, 15th Century , Humans , Famous Persons , Lice Infestations/history , Mummies , ItalyABSTRACT
Pthiriasis palpebrarum is a rare disease in which crab lice infest the eyelashes. It can cause pruritic lid margins, and it is difficult to diagnose and treat. We diagnosed and managed a case of pthiriasis palpebrarum in the right upper eyelid of a 35 month-old male child. We removed the lice and nits by pulling with fine forceps using dermoscopy. After treatment, all lice and nits had been eradicated without recurrence. We suggest that this is an effective, safe method for diagnosis and treatment of pthiriasis palpebrarum.