NECROTIZING PERIORBITAL CELLULITIS

We report traumatic necrotizing periorbital cellulitis attributed to g roup A beta-hemolytic streptococci in a 4-year-old child. The infectio n was successfully treated via surgical cleansing, drainage, and graft ing. The virulence of this organism requires an aggressive approach to the patient with periorbital cellulitis, which is refractory to intra venous antibiotics. Early treatment may limit extensive eyelid necrosi s, the resultant secondary deformity, and the need for multiple recons tructive procedures.