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Topical permethrin 5% as a treatment for pediatric patients with phthiriasis palpebrarum: A case report
J Noguera Campos1, S Pose Bazarra1, N Castro Casal1
1Servicio de Oftalmología, Hospital Naval, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Ferrol, Ferrol, A Coruña, Spain.
Insights
Phthiriasis palpebrarum, an eyelid infestation by pubic lice, can be challenging to treat. Topical permethrin 5% offers an effective and safe solution, particularly for pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Parasitology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Phthiriasis palpebrarum involves eyelid infestation by *Phthirus pubis*.
- It is often considered a sexually transmitted disease.
- Treatment can be difficult, especially in uncooperative patients.
Observation:
- A 4-year-old child presented with severe eyelash infestation.
- The patient exhibited poor cooperation for manual parasite removal.
- A treatment regimen involving topical permethrin 5% and petrolatum was initiated.
Findings:
- A single dose of topical permethrin 5% combined with petrolatum applications led to complete resolution.
- The treatment was repeated one week later with sustained efficacy.
- Topical permethrin 5% proved effective and safe for this pediatric case.
Implications:
- Topical permethrin 5% is a viable treatment for phthiriasis palpebrarum.
- This approach is particularly beneficial for pediatric cases or uncooperative individuals.
- It presents a safe, effective, and accessible therapeutic option.
Abstract:
Phthiriasis palpebrarum is defined as the involvement of the eyelids by the Phthirus pubis parasite. It is a pathology considered as a sexually transmitted disease, whose treatment can be challenging in some situations. We present the case of a 4-year-old patient with eyelashes severely affected by this parasite, who cooperated poorly for mechanical removal. Given this situation, we decided to prescribe a single dose of topical permethrin 5% and several applications of vaseline, repeating this treatment a week later, which led to the complete resolution of the condition. This case introduces topical permethrin 5% as an effective, safe and widely available option for the treatment of this pathology, especially for pediatric patients or those who do not cooperate adequately for mechanical removal of the parasites.
