| Objective To analyze and summarize the epidemic of anthrax, with a major manifestation of hand skin infection in Yunnan Province, and provide experience for further prevention and treatment of anthrax. Methods The clinical data of 4 patients who had skin anthrax due to cattle slaughtering and were treated in Kunming Third People’s Hospital were collected and analyzed. Results All of 4 patients had a clear history of epidemiology, 2 cases were diagnosed with confirmed anthrax and 2 cases were clinically diagnosed. Among 4 patients, blisters appeared in the hands or arms as the initial symptom. The adjacent skin was red and swollen, with obvious local pain. The size of the blisters was different, showing yellow pustule in the center and local eschar. The WBC and CRP levels were significantly increased in 4 patients. ALT, AST, CK, LDH increased to varying degrees. All of 4 patients received standardized antibacterial treatment, combined with local wound debridement, detumescence, support and other symptomatic treatments for about 3 weeks, and all cases were discharged after recovery. Conclusions Various manifestations in the skin of anthrax patients may lead to misdiagnose and mistreatment in the early stages, so timely diagnosis and treatment are critical. For skin anthrax patients, localized squeezing and underlying medical conditions are prone to induce severe exacerbation. |