It was late in the night on May 5 when a 5-year-old girl was rushed to the hospital with severe itching on her eyelids. Despite using saline drops, the itching persisted and even worsened over time. Upon examination, Doctor Le Viet Phap from Saigon Can Tho Eye Hospital discovered dozens of lice clinging to the patient’s eyelids.
The doctor immediately removed all the lice and eggs from the girl’s eyelashes and provided instructions to her family on how to prevent spreading and reinfection. Family members reported that the girl had been rubbing her eyes frequently, noticing objects stuck to her eyelashes.
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 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. Immediate examination and treatment are recommended for any unusual signs like scratches, pain, blurred vision, or obstructed vision.