dermatologic disorders
Zoonotic Skin Diseases
Contagious ecthyma
Contagious ecthyma (contagious pustular dermatitis) is caused by orf virus, apoxvirus that infects ruminants(most often sheep and goats). Farmers, veterinarians, zoo caretakers, and others with direct animal contact are at risk. The cutaneous findings pass through 6 stages that together last about 1 week: Stage 1 (papular): A single red edematous papule on a finger (most commonly right index finder) Stage 2 (target): A larger nodule with a red center surrounded by a white ring with a red periphery Stage 3 (acute): A rapidly growing, infected-looking tumor Stage 4 (regenerative): A nodule with black dots covered with a thin transparent crust Stage 5 (papillomatous): A nodule with a surface studded with small projections Stage 6 (regressive): A flattened nodule with a thick crust Patients can develop regional adenopathy, lymphangitis, and fever. Diagnosis of contagious ecthyma is by history of contact; differential diagnosis is extensive depending on the stage of the lesion. Acute lesions must be differentiated from Milker’s nodules , Lesions spontaneously heal; no treatment is necessary. 