Pediculosis and phthiriasis occur in humans when sanitary conditions are inadequate. Typically, Phthirus pubis (crab lice) is found in the hair of the pubic and inguinal regions; Pediculus humanus capitis, in scalp hair; and Pediculus humanus corporis, on the seams of clothing. Phthiriasis palpebrarum, infestation of the eyelashes by P pubis and its ova, is an important entity to recognize and a difficult one, medically and socially, to treat. Presented herein is an interesting case of phthiriasis palpebrarum in two young siblings.
Patient Report. A 5-year-old girl from a middle-class family complained of scalp itching. There were several cases of head lice in her camp group. Her parents discovered typical nits in her hair, and after a telephone consult with her pediatrician she was treated with permethrin followed by combing. A careful inspection of other family members revealed scalp hair nits in her mother but not in her father or