Phthiriasis palpebrarum: 2 case reports

Phthiriasis palpebrarum, caused by the phthirus pubis, is a rare cause of blepharoconjunctivitis, and is therefore often neglected. We present 2 patients who suffered itching and irritation at the right upper eyelid. Biomicroscopic examination showed a few lice and nits anchored to the eyelashes. Dermatologic examination revealed the presence of numerous lice and nits at the trunk and pubic area. The lice and nits were manually removed if possible, and the patients were asked to put vaseline on the eyelid margins. The patients were also treated with malathion 0.5% lotion. After control, two weeks later, no more lice nor nits were present in the first patient.