A rural farm worker is brought to the clinic,experiencing a cluster of nodular skin lesions on his arm.Some of the lesions have ulcerated.The worker indicates that he frequently gets scratches and abrasions on his hands and arms and that the first nodule appeared several weeks after he had removed a sliver.The nodules have been progressing slowly for the past six weeks.What is the most likely infection?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Based on the history of frequent abrasions or scratches on the hands and arms, and the slow progression of nodular skin lesions, the most likely infection is a subcutaneous mycosis. These infections are caused by fungal organisms that enter through a cut or wound in the skin and can lead to nodular or ulcerative lesions. Necrotizing fasciitis and erysipelas are bacterial infections that usually present with rapid onset of symptoms such as fever, swelling, and severe pain. Candidiasis is a fungal infection that usually presents as a rash in moist areas such as the mouth or genitals, but not typically as nodular lesions on the skin.

A Rural Farm Worker Is Brought to the Clinic,experiencing a Cluster