Symptoms
Erysipeloid usually occurs on the back of the hand and fingers and manifests as an intensely inflamed red-purple skin redness with a clear and slightly raised border. It spreads in a ring-like pattern. The hands may swell severely. Blisters and erosions may occur, and mild itching and pain sometimes accompany the infection. However, general symptoms such as fever, as well as involvement of the lymphatics as in erysipelas, are rare (hence the name erysipelas, similar to erysipelas). However, a complicated and potentially dangerous disseminated course is possible. Link: Images at Google Images
Causes
The disease is caused by the gram-positive rod bacterium (formerly ), which penetrates the skin through small cracks. It is transmitted to humans from fish and various vertebrates or their meat, especially from pigs. It is an occupational disease observed almost exclusively, for example, in animal breeders, veterinarians, butchers, fishermen, housewives and cooks. The incubation period is a few days.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made on the basis of patient interview (occupation!, contact with animals, meat), typical clinical symptoms, and laboratory methods. Numerous other skin diseases may be considered as possible differential diagnoses. Erysipelas is caused by streptococci.
Drug treatment
For treatment, as with erysipelas, penicillins and cephalosporins, which are effective against Gram-positive bacteria, are considered first-line agents. Alternatively, other antibiotics such as macrolides and clindamycin are used. The literature also mentions moist compresses with antiseptic additives as a therapeutic option. Wearing gloves is recommended for prevention.
