Erysipeloid

Erysipeloid is an infectious skin disease caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (E. insidiosa), occupation-related, mostly on hands handling fish/meat, causing erysipelas-like lesions with possible systemic symptoms.

Common Symptoms

Finger/toe swelling; severe pain; septicemia; erysipelas-like appearance; low fever; toxemia; discoid erythema; pruritus; erysipelas

Causes and Pathogenesis

(1) Etiology: E. rhusiopathiae is a Gram-positive bacillus found in soil and on fish, pigs, birds, and in their intestines; horses/sheep may also be infected naturally. Workers in meat, hide, and fishing industries, veterinarians, and cooks are infected via cuts/punctures on the hands. (2) Pathogenesis: Humans are infected by handling carrier pork/fish; the disease is occupation-related, affecting slaughterhouse, meat, hide, and fishing workers as well as veterinarians and cooks; transmission is via hand wounds; housewives may be infected when fish spines or knives prick fingers, though some cases have no clear trauma.

Treatment

Drug therapy, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

1. Avoid allergenic/damp-producing foods, alcohol, and spices; drink more water. 2. Personal protection against trauma. 3. Light diet; avoid hot/spicy foods during active disease. 4. Rest; balance work and exercise to build resistance. 5. Stop smoking/alcohol during the active phase; maintain hygiene; do not share toiletries; wash feet in warm (not hot) water. 6. UV irradiation; keep feet clean and dry; change socks. 7. Continue medication several days after symptoms resolve to prevent relapse. 8. Recurrence at the original site is common; protect it from bumps, insect bites, and scratching.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Dermatology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.