Prof.Rajender Singh Chauhan
Phthiriasis palpebrarum (ciliary phthiriasis), caused by Pthirus pubis, is an uncommon cause of blepharoconjunctivitis; therefore, this condition is easily misdiagnosed. Phthiriasis is typically transmitted by sexual contact. In adults, phthiriasis palpebrarum results from probable transmission of the crab louse from the genital area to the eyes by hand. The infestation of eyelashes is rare and is rarely encountered by dermatologists. The crab louse infests the eyelashes most commonly, but is nevertheless rare.
A 63-year-old man presented with moderate itching of the lids & mild irritation of eyes. On examination multiple white dots were observed .On slit-lamp examination there were many translucent oval nits firmly adhering to the base and shaft of the cilia . 2-3 adult lice were observed. This report demonstrated that the petrolatum jelly and 1% permethrin shampoo used together were simple, cheap, safe, and effective treatment for phthiriasis palpebrarum and crab louse.
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