Introduction: Necrotising fasciitis or streptococcal gangrene is a rare and often fatal soft tissue infection usually affecting the limbs and trunk. Facial involvement is exceedingly rare due to the excellent blood supply of this region. Methods: We report a case of initially misdiagnosed streptococcal gangrene of the eyelids precipitated by minor trauma and which progressed despite intensive medical therapy. Results: A 53- year-old man with a history of alcohol abuse developed rapidly increasing left-sided periorbital oedema,erythema and skin vesicles soon after sustaining a laceration to his left upper lid. It was initially treated as herpes zoster ophthalmicus complicated by a secondary bacterial cellulitis. Bacterial cultures grew group A β haemolytic Streptococcus pyogenes. Despite 8 days of high-dose parenteral antibiotic therapy and oral acyclovir, characteristic blisters formed and necrosis of the periorbital skin and subcutaneous tissues ensued. Surgical debridement was performed and the fasciitis rapidly resolved. Conclusion: Physicians and ophthalmologists must be a ware of the risk factors, although rare, for periorbital necrotising fasciitis and the cardinal signs that differentiate this condition from common non-necrotising preseptal cellulitis. Prompt recognition and early surgical debridement are crucial in limiting the morbidity and mortality from severe forms of this disease.
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