A young girl of five years old was suffering from severe itching on her eyelids. Despite using saline drops, the itching did not subside. Concerned, the family took her to the hospital at midnight on May 5. Upon examination, Doctor Le Viet Phap from Saigon Can Tho Eye Hospital discovered dozens of lice clinging to the girl’s eyelids. The doctor removed all the lice and eggs from the patient’s eyelashes and provided instructions to the family on how to prevent spreading and reinfection.
The family reported that the girl had always had itchy eyes and would often rub them, noticing objects stuck to her eyelashes. As time went by, the itching worsened, prompting them to seek emergency treatment at the hospital. Eyelash lice, scientifically known as Pthirus pubis, are blood-sucking arthropods that parasitize humans. They can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or indirectly through clothing and towels. Symptoms of eyelash lice include chronic irritation, itchy eyelids, and allergies caused by the lice’s saliva. The feces and saliva of the lice can lead to conjunctivitis or keratitis.
To prevent further spread and reinfection, parents are advised to use antibacterial shower gel and shampoo to remove lice, wash clothes and bedding at high temperatures, and treat the affected area with medications prescribed by a doctor. Complete resolution of eyelash lice requires treating both the patient and family members immediately upon identification of any unusual signs like scratches, pain, blurred vision or obstructed vision. Immediate examination and treatment are recommended for any unusual signs like scratches or pain in order to avoid complications such as blindness or infection spread throughout other parts of body if left untreated.