Clinical Presentation and Bacteriology of Eyebrow Infections: The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Experience (2008-2015).

PURPOSE: This study retrospectively reviews preseptal cellulitis and abscesses involving the eyebrow to elucidate the bacteriology and potential causative factors. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify patients who had been diagnosed with preseptal cellulitis or abscess involving the eyebrow at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary between 2008 and 2015. Demographic, clinical, and microbiological data were collected. RESULTS: Eighty patients with eyebrow infections were identified, of whom 49 (61.3%) were female and 31 (38.7%) were male. The median age was 37 years (range 14-67 years). Eyebrow abscess was present in 54 cases (67.5%), while 26 cases (32.5%) were limited to preseptal cellulitis without abscess formation. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was found in 20 abscesses (39.2% of culture results), and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus was found in 12 abscesses (23.5% of culture results). Coagulase-negative staphylococci were present in 7 eyebrow abscesses (13.7% of culture results). Clinical history was remarkable for eyebrow hair removal (tweezing, waxing, threading, or shaving) in 17 cases (21.3%), manipulation of acne lesions ("popping," "picking," or "squeezing") in 6 cases (7.5%), and both brow hair removal and acne manipulation in 1 case (1.3%). CONCLUSIONS: There is a high incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the bacteriology of eyebrow infections. Empirical antibiotic coverage for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus should be strongly considered in any patient with an eyebrow area abscess or preseptal cellulitis. Individuals who practice cosmetic eyebrow grooming should be encouraged to consider hygiene practices, which could reduce the risk of infection.

Tinea faciei on the right eyebrow caused by Trichophyton interdigitale

Abstract Tinea faciei is a relatively uncommon dermatophyte infection entailing atypical clinical symptoms, usually misdiagnosed and treated with corticosteroids. The authors describe a case of tinea faciei on the right eyebrow caused by Trichophyton interdigitale. The patient was an 18-year-old girl, who had an inflammatory plaque with a scaly, pustular surface on the right eyebrow and upper eyelid, which had persisted for over 1 month. She was once misdiagnosed as having eczema and was treated using corticosteroid cream. A diagnosis of tinea faciei was made based on direct microscopy and culture. The sequencing of the nuclear ribosomal ITS region and β-tubulin gene of the isolate established its T. interdigitale lineage. The patient was cured by treatment with systemic terbinafine in combination with topical application of 1% naftifine-0.25% ketaconazole cream for 2 weeks.

Nodular skin reactions in eyebrow permanent makeup: two case reports and an infection by Mycobacterium haemophilum.

BACKGROUND: Permanent makeup is becoming more and more popular. The procedures, however, bear some medical risks. AIMS: We will describe possible adverse effects of the procedure. METHODS: This is a report of clinical observations. RESULTS: We report about two women aged 26 and 47 years, who developed nodules with some delay after permanent tattooing the eyebrows. Clinical, histologic, and laboratory investigations revealed a noninfectious granulomatous reaction not responding to topical calcineurin inhibitor but corticosteroids in the younger patient. In the other woman, an infection by Mycobacterium haemophilum could be identified. A triple combination of clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin, and rifampicin succeeded in clearance of the lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Adverse reactions after permanent makeup need a medical evaluation to identify health risks and initiate early treatment.

The effect of surgical preparation technique on the bacterial load of surgical needles and suture material used during strabismus surgery.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effectiveness of 3 surgical preparation techniques in decreasing bacterial contamination of needles and suture material during strabismus surgery. METHODS: Consecutive patients requiring 2-muscle strabismus surgery were randomized into 1 of 3 groups. In Group A, patients' periocular skin and bulbar conjunctivae underwent preparation with 5% povidone-iodine; the drape was placed without regard to eyebrows; and an open wire-loop lid speculum was used. Group B patients underwent the same preparation as Group A patients; however, the eyelashes and eyebrows were scrubbed with 5% povidone-iodine on cotton tip applicators, and the drape was placed to exclude the eyebrows from the surgical field. Group C patients underwent the same preparation as Group B patients; however, a bladed lid speculum was used during surgery to exclude some of the eyelashes from the surgical field. After the procedure, all needles and suture materials were sent separately for aerobic culture. The data were analyzed for differences in contamination rates between the groups. RESULTS: Of 77 patients, 24 (31.4%) had either a needle and/or suture contaminant. Groups A, B, and C had mean contamination rates of 29.6%, 34.6%, and 29.2%, respectively. There was no significant statistical variation in contamination among the 3 groups. The most common organism identified was a coagulase-negative staphylococcus strain. CONCLUSIONS: More meticulous sterile preparation of the surgical field did not result in a meaningful reduction in suture or needle contamination rates during strabismus surgery.

Outbreak of Mycobacterium haemophilum infections after permanent makeup of the eyebrows.

We report a Mycobacterium haemophilum outbreak after permanent make-up of the eyebrows performed by the same freelance artist. Twelve patients presented an eyebrow lesion and cervical lymphadenitis. All were treated with antibiotics. Surgery was required in 10 cases. M. haemophilum DNA was identified in the make-up ink.