An expert has outlined the warning signs of a sexually transmitted infection that has been likened to ‘rain rot’.
While the condition is typically associated with livestock including sheep, horses and cows, reports suggest it is now appearing in people, with cases recorded in Europe and identified among a number of men.
The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has documented nine cases affecting men in Barcelona. Here are the symptoms being highlighted…
The infection is formally called dermatophilosis and is caused by the bacterium dermatophilus congolensis.
Symptoms are generally not considered severe, but they can be unpleasant. People may develop crusty, scab-like areas on the skin, alongside an itchy rash and scaly lesions.
Some patients have also described developing small fluid-filled blisters as well as pus-filled pimples.
Dr Lawrence Cunningham told Metro: “What makes this bacterium unusual is its ability to survive in both wet and dry conditions.
“What rain rot does is create crusty, scabby patches on the skin that can get quite uncomfortable if left alone.
“The main concern is a secondary bacterial infections if the skin gets badly damaged, particularly from scratching the affected area.
“Left untreated, there’s a small risk of the infection reaching deeper tissues, but with proper medical attention, serious complications are rare.”
People who come into contact with infected animals are thought to face a higher risk, and the nickname “rain rot” stems from the condition being more frequently seen in tropical climates.
“People handling animals without gloves, grooming them, treating wounds, are the ones most at risk,” Dr Cunningham explained.
“From what I’ve seen, it’s almost always farm workers or vets who pick it up, and usually after repeated or prolonged contact rather than a single brief touch.
“But most clinicians could go their entire career without seeing a confirmed case. I’ve only come across a small handful myself.”
Dr Cunningham added that person-to-person spread is uncommon, but can happen, particularly through direct skin contact.
“Given these recent reports about transmission in certain communities, I’d point to intimate contact. Prolonged skin-to-skin exposure where the bacteria has enough time to transfer and take hold,” he added.
In the cases referenced by the CDC, those affected said they had not been in contact with animals. However, they described similar symptoms and also said partners had comparable lesions.
Treatment is available, and doctors can prescribe antibiotics—especially effective when the infection is identified early.