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A seven-year-old girl with orf of the hand
Journal of Hand Surgery (Edinburgh, Scotland)
|October 1, 1986
Insights
Orf infection, a zoonotic disease typically seen in sheep farmers, can occur in children presenting with hand lesions after animal contact. Prompt diagnosis and management, like incision and drainage, lead to spontaneous healing.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Zoonotic Diseases
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Orf virus (ORFV) is a parapoxvirus that causes contagious ecthyma in sheep and goats.
- Zoonotic transmission to humans can occur through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated materials.
Observation:
- A seven-year-old child presented with a hand lesion consistent with orf infection.
- The child had a documented history of close contact with sheep.
- The lesion was surgically incised and drained.
Findings:
- The hand lesion exhibited typical features of orf infection.
- Following incision and drainage, the lesion healed spontaneously within five weeks.
- This case highlights orf as a potential diagnosis in pediatric hand presentations.
Implications:
- Orf infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hand lesions, especially in individuals with animal exposure.
- Awareness among healthcare professionals in urban accident and emergency departments and hand clinics is crucial for timely diagnosis.
- Early recognition and appropriate management facilitate favorable patient outcomes.
Abstract:
A seven-year-old child presented with orf of the hand. There was a clear history of contact with sheep. The lesion was incised and drained and healed spontaneously within five weeks. The features of orf infection are described as a reminder of a diagnosis to be remembered in the urban accident and emergency department or hand clinic.