Infection mimicker: Neutrophilic dermatoses versus cutaneous anthrax

A 64-year-old man with history of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) presented for evaluation of bilateral hand lesions. The lesions first appeared four days after the patient skinned a sheep with his bare hands on a hunting trip in New Mexico. The lesions began as painful, dark papules, each with a small pustule on top, which then coalesced and ulcerated. His primary care physician started him on oral Augmentin twice daily for one week. Despite antibiotics, the lesions continued to worsen. He was admitted to the hospital and started on IV vancomycin and ceftriaxone for one week.
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology - Category: Dermatology Source Type: research