S Celebi1, U Aykan, G Alagöz, S Esmerligil. 1. Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Firat University, Elaziğ, Turkey. scelebi_63@yahoo.com
Abstract
PURPOSE: Anthrax is a rare infection transmitted to humans from animals or animal products. In cutaneous anthrax it may produce lesions of the eyelids which can lead to cicatricial ectropion. METHODS: We examined three women and five men with anthrax of the eyelids. Intravenous penicillin G was used alone as therapy. RESULTS: All patients presented with a localized itchy erythematous papule of the eyelid. A necrotising ulcer formed in each case, resulting in black eschar. The lesions resolved, with only mild cicatrization of the eyelid in all the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Anthrax is primarily an infectious disease of domestic animals but it is also seen in humans. Eyelids are rarely affected but cutaneous anthrax should be considered in any patient with a painless ulcer or black eschar who has a history of exposure to animals.
PURPOSE:Anthrax is a rare infection transmitted to humans from animals or animal products. In cutaneous anthrax it may produce lesions of the eyelids which can lead to cicatricial ectropion. METHODS: We examined three women and five men with anthrax of the eyelids. Intravenous penicillin G was used alone as therapy. RESULTS: All patients presented with a localized itchy erythematous papule of the eyelid. A necrotising ulcer formed in each case, resulting in black eschar. The lesions resolved, with only mild cicatrization of the eyelid in all the patients. CONCLUSIONS:Anthrax is primarily an infectious disease of domestic animals but it is also seen in humans. Eyelids are rarely affected but cutaneous anthrax should be considered in any patient with a painless ulcer or black eschar who has a history of exposure to animals.