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Cutaneous anthrax Cutaneous Anthrax Skin layers

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Cutaneous anthrax

Alternative Names: Anthrax - skin Treatment: Cutaneous anthrax is treated with oral antibiotics (pills). Several antibiotics are effective, including penicillin, doxycycline, and ciprofloxacin (Cipro).  Cipro has been the antibiotic of choice during a suspected anthrax outbreak. Text Continues Below Because anthrax spores may take up to 60 days to germinate, the length of treatment is usually 60 days. Expectations (prognosis): The prognosis of treated cutaneous anthrax is excellent. Death is extremely rare when antibiotics are promptly given. Complications: In about 20% of untreated cases of cutaneous anthrax, the organism may spread into the bloodstream, leading to shock and death. Calling your health care provider: Call your health care provider if you know you have been exposed to anthrax, or if you develop a skin lesion as described above. References: Reissman DB, Whitney EA, Taylor TH Jr, et al. One-Year Health Assessment of Adult Survivors of Bacillus anthracis Infection.  JAMA. 2004;291:1994-1998. Inglesby TV, O'Toole T, Henderson DA, et al. Anthrax as a Biological Weapon, 2002. JAMA. 2002;287:2236-2252.

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