Anthrax: Possible Skin Exposure (No Symptoms)

Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by anthrax bacteria. The bacteria are spread in the form of spores. A spore is a protective covering on the bacteria. It's like the shell of a seed. The spore keeps the bacteria alive for long periods of time. It waits for the right conditions to grow.

Anthrax can cause an infection in the skin, stomach and intestines, or lungs. It isn't contagious. People can become infected with anthrax by getting the spores in their bodies. This usually happens by handling infected animals or animal products. Anthrax is uncommon and is generally only seen in underdeveloped countries. It's very rare in North America. Most cases have occurred in people who handle imported animal hides, who inject heroin, or who are exposed in a bioterrorism attack.

Skin anthrax occurs after the spores come in contact with an opening in the skin (such as a crack, cut, or scrape).

• Not everyone exposed will get sick.
• If the infection occurs after exposure, symptoms usually start in 1 to 7 days.
• The disease starts as a small red bump (like an insect bite) that turns into a blister.
• The blister breaks in 1 to 2 days. Then a painless, black sore forms. This sore dries up in 1 to 2 weeks.

Your doctor will tell you what symptoms to watch for. Skin anthrax symptoms start as bumps or blisters, but then get worse. They can include:

• A group of small blisters or bumps that may itch.
• A painless skin sore (ulcer) with a black center that appears after the small blisters or bumps.
• Often, a sore on the face, neck, arms, or hands.
• Swelling around the sore.

Anthrax infection can happen only after skin is exposed directly to anthrax spores. It can be transmitted to others. But this is very rare. Whether you are treated with antibiotics will depend on the threat of exposure and the time since that exposure.

• Don't panic. The illness can be cured if correct treatment is started early after a confirmed exposure.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Wash your hands after using the bathroom and before eating and drinking.

Follow up with your doctor, or as advised.

If a lab test on a sample of cells (culture) was done, you'll be told if your treatment needs to be changed. You can call as directed for the results.

If X-rays or a CT scan were done, a specialist will review them. You'll be told the results, especially if they affect treatment.

Call 911 if any of these occur, especially if you've been handling an imported animal hide or have been injecting heroin:

• A painless bump appears on the skin, especially if it is surrounded by a large area of swelling
• A black center develops in this bump, especially if swollen lymph nodes in the arm pit, neck, or groin develop
• Symptoms such as fever, weakness, or headache develop along with the skin findings

Call your doctor right away if any of these happen within 3 weeks after the possible exposure:

• Red bump (like an insect bite) or blister on the skin
• Black scab or ulcer on the skin
• Fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as advised by your doctor
• Weakness or dizziness

For the latest information, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Or contact your state public health department.