A peculiar ocular itch in two children

Abstract

Pubic louse is an uncommon cause of ocular itchiness in children. While pubic lice are often transmitted sexually from the pubic hair of one person to another, they may also be contracted from contaminated items, such as bed linen, clothes and towels. Nonetheless it is vital for the attending clinician to maintain a high index of suspicion in children who present with Phthirus pubis palpebrarum infestation and rule out sexual abuse. We report 2 cases of childhood pubic lice infestation over the eyelashes without evidence of sexual exposure. Both cases were successfully treated with mechanical removal of the eyelashes and lice in combination with topical medications.