A 60-year-old man in Hanoi who loves ornamental fish spends hours every day taking care of his fish tank. He does everything from changing the water to cleaning the tank himself, but without wearing protective gloves. A year ago, the second finger of his right hand became red and swollen. He went to many places for checkups, but the condition did not improve.
Recently, he went to see a dermatologist. After a thorough examination and medical history and culture tests, he was diagnosed with granulomatosis caused by Mycobacterium infection - a rare disease commonly found in aquarium fish keepers.
According to Master, Doctor Nguyen Tien Thanh - member of the Vietnam Dermatology Association, granuloma caused by Mycobacterium marinum infection is a rare disease caused by bacteria in dirty water or infected fish tanks. This bacteria penetrates through small scratches on the skin, causing granuloma-like lesions.
“Swimming pool granuloma usually starts with a small papule or lump or red-brown plaque 1-4cm in size, which may have a raised, hyperkeratotic surface, and is usually not ulcerated or necrotic. Some have crusts on the granuloma base, which may secrete pus. Some cases have small satellite papules, which may create tunnels under the granuloma on the hands, elbows, knees, and feet. Patients are often confused with benign lesions such as dermatophytosis, contact dermatitis, and warts,” said Dr. Thanh.
The man's second finger on his right hand was red and swollen due to Mycobacterium infection. (Photo: BSCC)
If not treated properly, Mycobacterium granulomas can persist for years, causing discomfort and affecting daily activities.
According to experts, groups at high risk of Mycobacterium granuloma infection are aquarium hobbyists, people who regularly clean aquariums with bare hands, employees working in aquarium stores or aquatic environments, and fishermen.
To protect yourself from the risk of contracting swimming pool granulomatosis, people need to use protective gloves when cleaning fish tanks or handling dirty water, maintain regular fish tank hygiene, change the water regularly and clean the tools in the tank.
You should also not touch dirty water with bare hands, especially when your skin has scratches or open wounds, and you should wear protective gear.
If you discover unusual, persistent skin lesions such as painless, red, itchy, oozing lumps that do not heal, you should go to a dermatology clinic for timely examination and treatment.
Source: https://vtcnews.vn/mac-u-hat-tu-thu-choi-ca-canh-ar910502.html
Comment (0)