Dermatologic Manifestations of Mycobacterium Marinum Infection of the Skin Follow-up
- Author: Joslyn S Kirby, MD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD more...
Further Inpatient Care
- Patients can be treated in an outpatient setting and should be seen frequently until they begin to respond to therapy, then less frequently until the infection is fully cured. Patients may benefit from seeing an infectious disease physician in an outpatient setting.
Deterrence/Prevention
- People who work near or in salt water should take precautions to avoid abrasions, trauma, or bites from fish and marine animals.
- People who work with aquariums should wear gloves if they are cleaning tanks or expect to encounter trauma to their hands or feet.
- If bites or abrasions occur, cleanse the skin, apply an antibacterial preparation, and dress with an appropriate bandage.
Complications
- Persistent ulceration
- Osteomyelitis, bony erosion
- Bursitis
- Tenosynovitis
- Arthritis
- Disseminated infection
Prognosis
- Once identified and appropriately treated, M marinum infection can typically be successfully eradicated, usually with no major sequelae.
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