Fish scale-induced dermatitis

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Belgium Small Animal Veterinarian
Faye Y. Chiou MD and Jaime A. Tschen MD
Fish scale-induced dermatitis
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Volume 28, Issue 6, June 1993, Pages 962-965


Background: Fish scales loosened during the process of cleaning that come in contact with human skin will adhere and “grow,” creating a raised skin lesion if not washed off immediately.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the process of fish scale-induced dermatitis.
Methods: Fish scales from the blue gill (Lepomis machrochirus) were placed on the intact skin of denuded Swiss Webster mice that had no prior sensitization.
Results: The scales physically adhered and formed a raised fold of skin within minutes after placement. Lesions were submitted for pathologic evaluation on days 2 and 7. A subacute irritant dermatitis was observed that evolved into a chronic dermatitis with hyperkeratosis. Inverted fish scales (the anatomically reversed surface) and fish epidermis did not produce such lesions on the mice.
Conclusion: Fish scales are able to induce an irritant dermatitis. They most likely do so through initial adhesion via mucopolysaccharide secretions.


 
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