Ecthyma contagiosum

Ecthyma contagiosum (Orf) is a mostly harmless zoonosis caused by viruses of the Poxviridae family. Orf is mainly transmitted by sheep or goats. Infection occurs through contact with the animals. Accordingly, hands and forearms are the predilection sites for Orf. Orf initially manifests itself as a red, sometimes bluish papule, which develops into a haemorrhagic pustule as it progresses. The diagnosis is made on the basis of the patientʼs medical history and clinical picture. Pathogen detection by PCR is possible. Apart from antiseptic therapy to prevent superinfection, no specific measures are required. In immunocompetent people, complete healing takes place within a maximum of 8 weeks.