%0 Journal Article
%T Ocular nonsuicidal self-injury in a teenager
%J Oman journal of ophthalmology
%D 2018
%A Comacchio, Francesco
%A Ricca, M.
%A Martini, G.
%A Cecchin, V.
%A Zannin, Maria Elisabetta
%V 11
%N 1
%P 55-57
%X A 14-year-old male teen presented with unilateral episcleritis, unresponsive to topical and systemic corticosteroid therapy, without a history of ocular trauma or evidence for systemic diseases. The presence of foreign bodies in the conjunctival mucus of the hyperemic fornix has been noticed during one of the follow-up examinations. The toxicological analysis of conjunctival mucus revealed the presence of ethylene glycolmonomethyl ether and triethilene glicolebuthyl ether, used as solvents in nail polish removers and all-purpose cleaners. An unexpected etiology of chemical self-inflicted episcleritis was determined. The teen was admitted to a psychological assessment, after which a psychotherapeutic treatment was recommended. Episcleritis is characterized by the acute onset of ocular pain and redness, with a frequent recurrent and stressful course. Since it can be associated with life-threatening systemic vasculitides, a prompt, aggressive immunosuppressive therapy may be considered, both for the ocular inflammation and for the underlying systemic condition. Rarely episcleritis does not improve despite topical and systemic therapy, administered in a stepladder way. The reported teenager case needed a complex multidisciplinary approach to achieve the correct diagnosis and to avoid unnecessary treatments. In the case of recognized "nonsuicidal self-injury," a psychological evaluation is strongly recommended, to identify and address underlying neuropsychiatric problems.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>
%G en
%I Medknow Publications
%@ 0974-620X
%U http://dx.doi.org/10.4103/ojo.OJO_209_2016