JDPA Exam - Spring 2023

Dermatologic Manifestations of Common Zoonotic Exposures

Janelle Bludorn, PA-C, DFAAPA; Erica Palmer, PA-S; and Andre Braima, PA-C

Zoonotic exposures are common reasons for patients to seek urgent and emergent evaluation and care. In addition to systemic manifestations, many animal-related conditions have distinct dermatologic features that may assist in early and appropriate diagnosis and management. In some cases, skin findings are the only manifestation of a condition that may lead to long-term sequelae if not treated in a timely manner. Significant dermatologic manifestations of three categories of zoonotic exposures—crotalid envenomation, spider bites, and non-Lyme tick-borne disease—are briefly reviewed.

Janelle Bludorn, PA-C, DFAAPA, is Assistant Professor and Academic Coordinator at Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke Physician Assistant Program, in Durham, North Carolina. Erica Palmer, PA-S, is a PA Student at Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke Physician Assistant Program, in Durham, North Carolina. Andre Braima, PA-C, is Emergency Medicine APP Resident at Yale-New Haven Health and Lecturer at the Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut.