Recurrent phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis: a forme fruste manifestation of rosacea.
BACKGROUND
Phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis represents a delayed type hypersensitivity response to a systemic antigen within the body.


METHODS
We present a case of symptomatic, recurrent, phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis in an 8-year-old child. The patient's inflammation responded favorably to topical steroids at each episode, but no specific antigen could be identified.


CONCLUSIONS
After observing the father's erythematous facial lesions, we attributed the child's ocular inflammation to rosacea (as a forme fruste manifestation) and treated her with systemic erythromycin. The symptoms were rapidly relieved and the disease process was arrested.
Blaustein
B H
BH
Pennsylvania College of Optometry, Elkins Park 19027, USA. bernie@pco.edu
Gurwood
A S
AS
D002648:Child; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000473:pathology; D003315:Cornea / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D007637:Keratoconjunctivitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D012008:Recurrence; D012393:Rosacea / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions