Unilateral phthiriasis palpebrarum infestation: An unusual case of pruritus

Abstract

Phthiriasis palpebrarum is a rare cause of eyelid infestation caused by phthiriasis pubis (crab louse) that mainly infests the hair of pubis and inguinal regions, but rarely eyelashes and eyelid. It is an uncommon condition of pruritus still seen in developing countries with poor personal hygiene. These conditions may have unusual presentations which may be misdiagnosed as conjunctivitis, blepharoconjunctivitis, dermatitis, or blepharitis due to similarities in the signs and symptoms. We report a case of a young male with unilateral pruritus and irritation which showed numerous nits adherent to the eyelashes and multiple lice at the base of eyelashes at the upper lid on examination. The patient was successfully treated with mechanical removal of lice and nits, and pilocarpine 2% drop were applied locally. A typical case of unilateral phthiriasis palpebrarum infestation, which is an unusual case of pruritus, is highlighted. Meticulous examination with suspicion is essential for the prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords

• crab louse
• nits
• phthiriasis palpebrarum
• pruritus