Phthiriasis

Pathophysiology: D folliculorum (all stages) is found in small hair follicles and eyelash hair follicles. In all forms, immature and adult, it consumes epithelial cells, produces follicular distention and hyperplasia, and increases keratinization leading (in eyelashes) to cuffing, which consists ofkeratin and lipid moieties. Demodex brevis (all stages) is present in the eyelash sebaceous glands, small hair sebaceous glands, and lobules of the meibomian glands.

Treatment: Recommended treatment options for phthiriasis palpebrarum are mechanical removal with forceps, trimming or plucking of eye lashes traumatic amputation, cryotherapy, argon laser photocoagulation, fluorescein eye drops 20%, physostigmine 0.25%, lindane 1%, petroleum jelly, yellow mercuric oxide ointment 1%, malathion drops 1% or malathion shampoo 1%, 1% gamma-benzene hexachloride cream, pyrethrin ointment, permethrin 1% cream, kerosene, and oral ivermectin and pilocarpine gel. 

Major Research: Studies are going on for the proper treatment for this problem under Japanese Government.

Statistics: 68% of hospital consultant episodes are of phthiriasis.