On May 5, a five-year-old girl visited the hospital late at night with severe itching on her eyelids. Despite using saline drops, the itching persisted. Upon examination, Dr. 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 her eyelashes and gave instructions to the family on how to prevent future infections and spread.
According to family members, the girl had been experiencing itchy eyes for some time, often rubbing them and noticing objects stuck to her eyelashes. The symptoms worsened over time until they prompted an emergency visit to the hospital.
Eyelash lice, also 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 include chronic irritation, itchy eyelids, allergies caused by their saliva, conjunctivitis or keratitis due to feces or saliva of the lice.
To prevent spread and reinfection, parents should use antibacterial shower gel and shampoo to remove lice from their child’s scalp and body. It is also important to wash clothes and bedding at high temperatures regularly or disinfect them if they cannot be washed at high temperatures. Family members should treat any affected areas with medications prescribed by a doctor before coming into contact with others again.
Immediate examination and treatment are recommended for any unusual signs like scratches, pain, blurred vision or obstructed vision as these may indicate complications from eyelash lice infestation.
Dr Le Viet Phap advised parents that complete resolution of eyelash lice infestation requires treating both patients and family members alike.
It is essential for parents to be vigilant about their child’s hygiene habits as eyelash lice can be easily transmitted if proper precautions are not taken.