A sexually transmitted skin infection called ‘rain rot’ has hit Britain for the first time, amid rising cases in Europe.
The bacterial infection, medically known as dermatophilosis, causes pus-filled, scaly, crusty skin lesions, which usually occur on the genitals and face but can be seen all over the body.
The disease usually spreads between animals, but recent outbreaks across Europe suggest the disease can spread between people during close contact.
Clusters of the infection have been reported France, Germany, Norway and Spain this summer, with cases rising 80 percent in just two months.
According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), one case of the disease has now been reported in Britain.
According to health officials, the case was identified in Scotland and has been linked to visiting a location where sexual activity takes place, such as a sauna.
Most reported cases were among men who had sex with men, according to the new report, published in the British Medical Journal.
Other cases have been linked to contact sports and martial arts, as well as travel to Southeast Asia.
One case of dermatophilosis has now been discovered in Britain, following recent outbreaks in Europe
Pictured above are two of the patients involved in the French cluster of suspected sexual transmission of dermatophilosis among men who have sex with men
Dermatophilosis is a bacterial skin disease caused by a bacterium that mainly occurs in cattle, horses and other animals.
The condition is called ‘rain rot’ because moisture and high humidity increase the risk of spreading the infection.
Human infections are rare, but as of August 20, the total number of cases in Europe was 126, up from just 70 in mid-June.
The ECDC said most cases in Europe were characterized by mild skin infections in multiple places over the body, including the genitals, thighs, groin and beard area.
Most patients have recovered after antibiotic treatment, without serious complications, it added.
The recent rise in cases has led experts to believe that the way the infection is spread is changing, with “human-to-human transmission through close skin-to-skin contact, especially in moist environments” possible.
Indirect transmission via shared surfaces cannot be ruled out either, according to the ECDC.
However, the overall risk to the general population remains ‘very low’.
The ECDC added: ‘People who participate in sports or activities involving close contact, especially in humid environments or where skin lesions and shared surfaces are present, may also be at increased risk of exposure; however, the available evidence is still limited.”
A spokesperson for the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said healthcare professionals should also be aware of the infection in men who have sex with men and show symptoms.
“This is especially important for people who have recently traveled to a country where clusters of infections have been reported or who have recently visited a venue for on-site sex,” they said.
