A case report of demodicosis.

Abstract

We report on a patient who had an excessive number of mites (Demodex folliculorum) on his eye lashes, i.e. 10 mites on eight lashes examined. A review of three previous reports suggested that one mite for every two lashes represents an over population of this nearly ubiquitous mite. Greasy scales on the lashes and foamy tears suggested that seborrhea was present as well as demodicosis. The primary symptoms of itching was relieved after one week of treatment with mercuric oxide ointment and lid scrubs, although the number of mites was not reduced. Treatment for an additional two weeks did reduce the mite number. We therefore recommend continuing treatment for demodicosis for at least three weeks even if symptoms abate sooner.

• Authors: G W Fulk, C Clifford
• Journal: Journal of the American Optometric Association (J Am Optom Assoc) Vol. 61 Issue 8 Pg. 637-9 (Aug 1990) ISSN: 0003-0244 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2394904 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Mercury Compounds
• Ointments
• Oxides
• Mercury
• mercuric oxide

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Animals
• Blepharitis (drug therapy, etiology)
• Eyelashes (microbiology)
• Humans
• Male
• Mercury (therapeutic use)
• Mercury Compounds
• Mite Infestations (complications, diagnosis)
• Mites (isolation & purification)
• Ointments
• Oxides (therapeutic use)
• Pruritus (drug therapy, etiology)