[Cutaneous palpebral anthrax]

The interest for anthrax is permanent because of its difficult diagnosis, its severe prognosis, and the possibility of its dissemination during biological war and bioterrorism. Cutaneous anthrax is an infectious disease caused by Bacillus anthracis. Palpebral localizations are rare, raising problems of differential diagnosis. The case of a 21-year-old male with palpebral anthrax is presented. The diagnosis was established by the progression of the palpebral lesions (serohemorrhagic vesicle, black necrotic eschar), extended palpebral edema, and positive epidemiological data. During the onset period, the differential diagnosis was difficult because of uncharacteristic symptoms, negative bacteriological tests (previous antibiotic treatment), and the absence of epidemiological data. Treatment with G penicillin led to the patient's cure.