TY - JOUR
T1 - Delusions of parasitosis of the eyelids
AU - Trager, Michelle J.
AU - Hwang, Thomas N.
AU - McCulley, Timothy J.
PY - 2008/7/1
Y1 - 2008/7/1
N2 - The authors describe preseptal cellulitis and corneal ulceration due to secondary infection of self- inflicted wounds in a patient with delusions of parasitosis. A 42-year-old man presented with a 3-day history of progressive painful, purulent, periocular erythema. He reported that "little black bugs and whitish eggs" had infiltrated his body including the left eye and eyelids. On examination, he was agitated with superficial wounds covering the majority of his body. Ophthalmic evaluation was notable for markedly erythematous and mildly edematous eyelids resulting in complete blepharoptosis. Excoriations with yellow-brown serous crusting carpeted the periocular region. A 1-mm pericentral corneal ulcer was also noted. No objective evidence of parasites was found and his infection resolved with antibacterial therapy (intravenous ceftriaxone and vancomycin, and topical vancomycin and ceftazidime). Delusions of parasitosis may result in self-mutilation with secondary infection. Appropriate psychiatric care is needed to prevent ongoing destructive behavior.
AB - The authors describe preseptal cellulitis and corneal ulceration due to secondary infection of self- inflicted wounds in a patient with delusions of parasitosis. A 42-year-old man presented with a 3-day history of progressive painful, purulent, periocular erythema. He reported that "little black bugs and whitish eggs" had infiltrated his body including the left eye and eyelids. On examination, he was agitated with superficial wounds covering the majority of his body. Ophthalmic evaluation was notable for markedly erythematous and mildly edematous eyelids resulting in complete blepharoptosis. Excoriations with yellow-brown serous crusting carpeted the periocular region. A 1-mm pericentral corneal ulcer was also noted. No objective evidence of parasites was found and his infection resolved with antibacterial therapy (intravenous ceftriaxone and vancomycin, and topical vancomycin and ceftazidime). Delusions of parasitosis may result in self-mutilation with secondary infection. Appropriate psychiatric care is needed to prevent ongoing destructive behavior.
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U2 - 10.1097/IOP.0b013e31817e8ae3
DO - 10.1097/IOP.0b013e31817e8ae3
M3 - Article
C2 - 18645444
AN - SCOPUS:48849091478
SN - 0740-9303
VL - 24
SP - 317
EP - 319
JO - Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
JF - Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
IS - 4
ER -