Common Features of Periocular Tinea

The study reviewed 10 cases of periocular tinea at St. Louis Children's Hospital over a period from January 2003 to September 2009, focusing on common features to aid in diagnosis and treatment. The patients, 6 males and 4 females, all experienced prolonged misdiagnosis and inappropriate corticosteroid use, which led to loss of eyelashes. Only 2 cases presented with the typical central clearing, while 7 had positive tests for fungal elements. After receiving antifungal treatments, all patients showed improvement and eyelash regrowth. The study emphasizes the importance of considering periocular tinea in differential diagnoses for periocular inflammation, particularly when patients do not respond to standard treatments, and highlights eyelash loss as a characteristic symptom.