[A case of Orf disease complicated by erythema multiforme]

Ecthyma contagiosum, or Orf, is a specific infection of small ruminants accidentally reaching humans. Few cases have been reported in the literature to date. We report here a case of ecthyma contagiosum occurred in a 9-year-old girl after contact with a flock of ecthyma sheep. This Orf was then complicated by superinfection and then by erythema multiforme. Orf is often underdiagnosed, probably because of small ruminant breeders' knowledge of this disease and its benignity in humans. It is caused by a very resistant Parapoxvirus in the environment. The diagnosis is clinical and anamnestic. Orf is therefore a benign pathology, the course of which is spontaneously favorable outside any specific treatment. However, it is important to prevent certain complications such as superinfections with appropriate local care. Other complications cannot be prevented and require appropriate care.