Fish scale-induced dermatitis.

BACKGROUND

Fish scales loosened during the process of cleaning that come in contact with human skin will adhere and "grow," creating a raised skin lesion if not washed off immediately.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the process of fish scale-induced dermatitis.

METHODS

Fish scales from the blue gill (Lepomis machrochirus) were placed on the intact skin of denuded Swiss Webster mice that had no prior sensitization.

RESULTS

The scales physically adhered and formed a raised fold of skin within minutes after placement. Lesions were submitted for pathologic evaluation on days 2 and 7. A subacute irritant dermatitis was observed that evolved into a chronic dermatitis with hyperkeratosis. Inverted fish scales (the anatomically reversed surface) and fish epidermis did not produce such lesions on the mice.

CONCLUSION

Fish scales are able to induce an irritant dermatitis. They most likely do so through initial adhesion via mucopolysaccharide secretions.