Anthrax of the lower eyelid

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases
• Dermatology

Background:

• Cutaneous anthrax is rare in developed nations, often leading to diagnostic challenges.
• Lower eyelid involvement in anthrax cases is particularly uncommon in clinical practice.

Observation:

• A 40-year-old woman with animal contact presented with a lower eyelid lesion featuring a black eschar.
• Initial diagnosis of cutaneous anthrax was made, and intravenous penicillin was administered.
• Surgical intervention was deferred for three months post-initial treatment.

Findings:

• The cutaneous anthrax lesion healed successfully through secondary intention.
• The resulting scar did not cause ectropion or compromise lower eyelid function.
• Delayed surgical management was deemed a safer approach for this specific presentation.

Implications:

• This case suggests that conservative management with delayed surgery is a viable and safe option for lower eyelid anthrax.
• Secondary healing can yield satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes, avoiding potential surgical complications.
• Increased awareness of rare presentations of cutaneous anthrax is crucial for timely and appropriate patient management.