Orf
Introduction
Orf is a viral skin diseasethat can be spread to humans by handling infected sheep and goats. The disease caused by a parapoxvirus is also known as: contagious ecthyma contagious pustular dermatitis scabby mouth This page covers: Orf How orf is spread How orf is treated Complications of orf
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Introduction
Read about orf, a viral skin disease that can be spread to humans by handling infected sheep and goats.
Symptoms of orf
In humans, the first sign of orf is a small, red, itchy or painful lump (lesion) that usually appears on the fingers, hands, forearms or face after an incubation period of three to five days. In some
How orf is spread
Orf is a zoonotic disease (zoonosis), which means it can pass between animals and humans. It's not possible for humans to passthe virus on to each other. The virus is spread by handling infected she
How orf is treated
Orf is a self-limiting disease, which means it will get better on its own without treatment. It usually clears up within three to six weeks. It may be useful to cover the lesion with a sterile (hygie
Complications of orf
People with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop complications of orf for example, people with HIV or lupus , or someone who isreceiving chemotherapy . Possible complications include:
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