A young girl of 5 years old was experiencing severe itching on her eyelids. Despite using saline drops, the itching persisted. Concerned, the family took her to the hospital in the middle of the night on May 5. Upon examination, Dr. Le Viet Phap from Saigon Can Tho Eye Hospital discovered dozens of lice clinging to her eyelids. The doctor promptly removed all the lice and eggs from her eyelashes and provided guidelines to the family on how to prevent further spread and infection.
The girl’s family reported that she had itchy eyes and often rubbed them, noticing objects stuck to her eyelashes. As time passed, the itching intensified, leading them to seek emergency medical attention 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, allergies caused by their saliva, conjunctivitis or keratitis caused by their feces and saliva.
To prevent further spread and infection of eyelash lice, parents should use antibacterial shower gel and shampoo to remove them from their child’s hair and scalp. Clothes and bedding should also be washed at high temperatures before being used again. If any unusual signs such as scratches, pain, blurred vision or obstructed vision appear, immediate examination and treatment by a doctor are recommended.
Complete resolution of eyelash lice requires treating both the patient and family members. It is crucial for parents to be vigilant about their child’s hygiene habits to avoid future outbreaks of this condition.