Abstract

Background: We reported a case of Phthiriasis palpebrarum on the eyelash of a 25 year-old female, accompanied by nits.
Case Report: 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 on the eyelash of a 25 year-old female, accompanied by nits. The eyelash infestation was successfully managed with twice daily
applications of petrolatum for 10 days and manual removal of nits and lice. One month after, all lice and nits were eradicated without recurrence and the eyelashes grew back.
Conclusion: Petrolatum topically is both a safe and effective treatment for Phthiriasis palpebrarum. We recommend it as the treatment of choice.

Keywords: Phthiriasis palpebrarum, eyelash