A four year old was seen at a hospital clinic because of “foreign body” on the eyelashes of the right upper eyelid. It has been there for about two weeks. On close examination it was determined to be parasites and their nits at the root of the eyelashes. The eyeball itself was normal.
Three adult parasites were extracted from the right upper eyelid by forceps and one parasite was removed from the left. The lashes with nits were cut at the base. Many nits were also found in the scalp.
Phenothrin shampoo of the scalp once every three days for four applications was done. The eyelashes were not treated with the medication because the insecticide can irritate the eyes.
The parents denied any infestations on them. Four weeks later the child was free of any parasites or nits.
Reference: Pediatric Dermatology, July/August 2003, page 356