Phthiriasis palpebrarum effectively treated with tea tree oil.

Abstract

Phthiriasis palpebrarum, also known as crab lice, is a rare eyelash infestation by Pthirus pubis that is often misdiagnosed as common blepharitis, and thus mistreated. Treatment of Phthiriasis palpebrarum is widely variable. Tea tree oil is an essential oil with broad-spectrum anti-microbial therapeutic effects. Notably, however, the role of this agent in Phthiriasis palpebrarum management is unclear. The current article reports a case of phthiriasis palpebrarum effectively treated with tea tree oil.