Cutaneous Anthrax is spread by contact with the bacterium's spores, which often appear in infectious animal products. Contact is by breathing, eating, or through an area of broken skin. It does not typically spread directly between people. Risk factors include people who work with animals or animal products, travelers, postal workers, and military personnel.Diagnosis can be confirmed by finding antibodies or the toxin in the blood or by culture of a sample from the infected site.
When anthrax spores penetrate the skin, usually through a wound or scratch, the person may develop cutaneous anthrax. This can happen when a person handles infected animals or contaminated animal products such as wool, skin or hair. Cutaneous anthrax most commonly affects the area of the head, neck, forearm, and hands. It attacks the skin and tissue around the infected area. Cutaneous anthrax is the most common form of anthrax infection and is also considered the least dangerous form.
