53-Year-Old Butcher With Red Rash Following a Cut to the Hand

Published on March 31, 2026

A 53-year-old male butcher visits urgent care for a painful red rash that developed on his hand 3 days prior. There is no history of recent travel, but he accidentally cut himself when processing meat 1 week ago. Exam reveals that the patient is febrile at 100.2° F. Otherwise, his vital signs are within normal limits, and he is well appearing. On dermatologic examination, erythematous vesiculated papules, plaques, and associated edema are visible on the hand and fingers.

View the image taken and consider what your diagnosis and next steps would be. Resolution of the case is described on the following page.