In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the association between lice infestation and iron deficiency anemia (IDA). The head lice, known as Pediculosis humanus capitis, and the body lice, known as Pediculosis humanus corporis, are responsible for causing these infestations. This case report focuses on the clinical findings of a 63-year-old woman who sought medical attention in the emergency department because of severe pruritus and generalized pain. Upon initial physical examination, the patient was found to have a severe lice infestation, and laboratory findings revealed IDA (Hb: 6.8 g/dL, MCV: 70 fL, iron: 21 mcg/dL) and hypereosinophilia (3,500/μL). Treatment involved the administration of Permethrin 1% lotion, Ivermectin, and intravenous iron sucrose supplementation. On the fifth day of presentation, the patient's hemoglobin level improved to 8.6 g/dL, and the eosinophil count decreased to 2,000/μL. Despite extensive investigation of the patient's IDA and hypereosinophilia, no clear etiology of IDA was identified. Consequently, the patient was diagnosed with hypereosinophilia and IDA, secondary to severe chronic pediculosis. This case report aims to raise awareness of the possibility of severe pediculosis as a risk factor for iron deficiency and hypereosinophilia.
Keywords: homelessness; hypereosinophilia; iron deficiency anemia; microcytic anemia; pediculosis.
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