What is dermatophilosis?

Dermatophilosis is a bacterial skin infection. It is transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact, particularly during sex. The infection is rare and can be easily treated with antibiotics.

Who is affected?

The European cases reported to date have involved men who have sex with men.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms are often non-specific and resemble those of many other skin conditions.

Possible signs include:

• Skin rash or skin changes
• Spots, papules or pustules
• Crusted skin lesions
• Itching

The skin changes often occur in the genital or anal area or around the mouth.

What should you do if you have symptoms?

New or unusual skin changes should always be investigated by a doctor. If dermatophilosis is confirmed, the infection can be treated. Close skin contact should be avoided until the diagnosis is confirmed.

How high is the risk?

The FOPH currently classifies the risk as very low.

For men with multiple sexual partners in venues for casual sex (e.g. saunas), the risk of infection is moderate. However, given the mild course of the disease observed so far, the overall risk remains low even in this group.

How can it be treated?

Dermatophilosis can be treated with antibiotics. It is important to seek medical supervision so that the treatment can be adjusted if necessary (e.g. in the event of resistance).

Anyone who visits places where people have sex, such as saunas or parties, and subsequently notices symptoms should get it checked out. It helps to actively mention that you have been in such settings and have heard about the current cases. This allows the correct diagnosis to be made more quickly and treatment to begin early.