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Erysipeloid Skin Infection

Occupational cutaneous infection by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae after handling fish, meat or animal products.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dermatoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Erysipeloid Skin Infection?

Erysipeloid is an occupational zoonotic skin infection caused by the gram-positive rod Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, contracted through cuts and abrasions of the hand while handling fish, shellfish, raw meat, poultry or carcasses.

Three forms are recognized: a localized cutaneous form (most common), a generalized cutaneous form, and a rare septicemic form often complicated by endocarditis with high mortality.

Diagnosis is clinical with characteristic violaceous, well-defined, indurated plaques on a finger or hand and is supported by occupational history; bacteriologic culture or PCR confirms the organism, while penicillin remains the first-line antibiotic.

Symptoms

Sharply demarcated violaceous plaque on hand
Burning or throbbing pain at lesion
Edema and induration over phalanx
Slow proximal extension over days
Mild systemic symptoms in localized form
Generalized cutaneous lesions in disseminated form
Septicemia, fever and endocarditis in severe form

Risk Factors

Occupational handling of fish, shellfish, meat or carcasses
Skin abrasions or puncture wounds during work
Failure to use protective gloves
Immunocompromise increases systemic risk
Pre-existing valvular heart disease
Diabetes mellitus
Inadequate post-exposure wound hygiene

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Painful violaceous plaque after handling fish or meat
  • Spreading skin lesion over hand
  • Joint pain or swelling near affected finger
  • Persistent low-grade fever after exposure
  • Suspected endocarditis with murmur and constitutional symptoms
  • Failure of empirical antibiotics in cellulitis
  • Relapse after initial therapy

Treatment Methods

01
Penicillin V or amoxicillin orally as first-line
02
Ceftriaxone or imipenem in disseminated or septic forms
03
Doxycycline or fluoroquinolones in penicillin allergy
04
Surgical debridement in extensive lesions
05
Echocardiography in suspected endocarditis
06
Occupational protection counseling
07
Public health and veterinary collaboration

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dermatoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.