Infestation of eyelashes by Pediculus humanus capitis (family: pediculidae): a case report

Abstract Background This case report describes a rare instance of Pediculus humanus capitis infestation affecting the eyelashes of a 10-year-old boy, notable for its ocular implications and unique diagnostic challenges. Case presentation In November 2023, a 10-year-old Iranian boy from East Azerbaij...

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Main Authors: Madineh Abbasi, Saideh Yousefi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-05-01
Series:Journal of Medical Case Reports
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-025-05272-5
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author Madineh Abbasi
Saideh Yousefi
author_facet Madineh Abbasi
Saideh Yousefi
author_sort Madineh Abbasi
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background This case report describes a rare instance of Pediculus humanus capitis infestation affecting the eyelashes of a 10-year-old boy, notable for its ocular implications and unique diagnostic challenges. Case presentation In November 2023, a 10-year-old Iranian boy from East Azerbaijan Province, northwest Iran, presented to the ophthalmologist with symptoms that included itching, eyelash adhesions, redness, and swelling around the eyes, along with small yellow spots on the eyelashes. The ophthalmological examination revealed no visual defects. An eyelash sample collected for analysis confirmed the presence of lice eggs and nymphs; lice were also found on the scalp. The treatment included tetracycline ointment. By the third day, the nymphs had been eradicated, but lice eggs remained. The remaining lice eggs were subsequently removed using forceps. Conclusions This case underscores the importance of considering parasitic infestations in patients with ocular symptoms and highlights the associated public health and hygiene implications.
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spelling doaj-art-4a1cbd1ec2c04d8fb8dff90b07296d232025-08-20T01:51:32ZengBMCJournal of Medical Case Reports1752-19472025-05-011911410.1186/s13256-025-05272-5Infestation of eyelashes by Pediculus humanus capitis (family: pediculidae): a case reportMadineh Abbasi0Saideh Yousefi1Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Sina Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical SciencesSirjan School of Medical SciencesAbstract Background This case report describes a rare instance of Pediculus humanus capitis infestation affecting the eyelashes of a 10-year-old boy, notable for its ocular implications and unique diagnostic challenges. Case presentation In November 2023, a 10-year-old Iranian boy from East Azerbaijan Province, northwest Iran, presented to the ophthalmologist with symptoms that included itching, eyelash adhesions, redness, and swelling around the eyes, along with small yellow spots on the eyelashes. The ophthalmological examination revealed no visual defects. An eyelash sample collected for analysis confirmed the presence of lice eggs and nymphs; lice were also found on the scalp. The treatment included tetracycline ointment. By the third day, the nymphs had been eradicated, but lice eggs remained. The remaining lice eggs were subsequently removed using forceps. Conclusions This case underscores the importance of considering parasitic infestations in patients with ocular symptoms and highlights the associated public health and hygiene implications.https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-025-05272-5EyelashInfestationHead liceCase report
spellingShingle Madineh Abbasi
Saideh Yousefi
Infestation of eyelashes by Pediculus humanus capitis (family: pediculidae): a case report
Journal of Medical Case Reports
Eyelash
Infestation
Head lice
Case report
title Infestation of eyelashes by Pediculus humanus capitis (family: pediculidae): a case report
title_full Infestation of eyelashes by Pediculus humanus capitis (family: pediculidae): a case report
title_fullStr Infestation of eyelashes by Pediculus humanus capitis (family: pediculidae): a case report
title_full_unstemmed Infestation of eyelashes by Pediculus humanus capitis (family: pediculidae): a case report
title_short Infestation of eyelashes by Pediculus humanus capitis (family: pediculidae): a case report
title_sort infestation of eyelashes by pediculus humanus capitis family pediculidae a case report
topic Eyelash
Infestation
Head lice
Case report
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s13256-025-05272-5
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