What is dermatophilosis?

Dermatophilosis is a skin disease caused by the bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis. The disease mainly occurs in cows, sheep and horses. People get infected very rarely. When they do get infected, they usually develop mild skin symptoms.

What are the symptoms of dermatophilosis?

You can recognise dermatophilosis by:

• red or sensitive areas on the skin.
• bumps, pimples, scabs or flaky patches.
• sometimes blisters or small wounds.
• sometimes itching or a burning sensation on the skin.

These skin symptoms usually occur on the hands, arms or legs, but can also occur in other places, such as on the genitals and face.

How do I get dermatophilosis?

The bacterium Dermatophilus congolensis mostly occurs in animals, such as cows, sheep and horses. People can get the disease by contact with animals that have the bacterium or by contact with materials that have been in contact with these animals, such as brushes, straw or clothing. A person is more likely to get infected if they have a wound or damaged skin.

Since 2025, physicians in Europe have increasingly observed human-to-human transmission of the bacterium, for example through close skin-to-skin contact. Sometimes this happens during sexual contact. However, transmission via a contact sport has also been described.

Who is most likely to get dermatophilosis?

People who handle animals, such as farmers, veterinarians and staff at a children’s farm are more likely to get dermatophilosis. Men who have sex with men, especially in a sauna, are also more at risk because the bacterium can be transmitted during sexual contact. 
To prevent getting infected with dermatophilosis:

• Ensure good hand hygiene when caring for animals (with skin diseases) or touching materials that animals (with skin disease) have sat in or laid on. See also: 'How animals can make you ill' (in Dutch).
• Cover wounds with a sticking plaster or dressing.
• Clean materials and surfaces that have been in contact with animals.
• In case of sexual contact: ensure good hygiene and check for wounds or skin problems.

What should I do if I have dermatophilosis?

If you think that you might have dermatophilosis, please contact your GP or a sexual health centre (STD outpatient clinic in your region).

If you have dermatophilosis, this is how you avoid passing it on to others

• Postpone skin-to-skin contact and sex until your skin is completely healed.
• Do not share any items that come into contact with the skin, such as towels, clothing and bedding.
• Wash your hands often and thoroughly.
• Cover the areas on your skin where the disease is present and that are not covered by clothing with a sticking plaster or dressing.
• Do not touch animals, including pets. Call the veterinarian if animals get the same kind of patches on their skin.

Is there any treatment for dermatophilosis?

Yes, dermatophilosis can be treated efficiently. A physician may prescribe ointment or medicines (antibiotics). The skin usually heals quickly after treatment.

Should I tell my sex partners that I have dermatophilosis?

If you have dermatophilosis, you may have infected your sex partners with it. The time between being infected and developing symptoms is up to 14 days. Therefore, please inform anyone you have had sex with in the 14 days before you developed any symptoms. They can monitor their skin for 14 days, counting from your last skin contact. If a sex partner develops symptoms, they can also be treated.

How common is dermatophilosis in the Netherlands?

The disease is rare in the Netherlands. Usually, there are only a few cases of dermatophilosis per year. These are mainly in people who work with animals.

How likely is dermatophilosis to spread in the Netherlands?

The chance of dermatophilosis spreading rapidly in the Netherlands is very small. The bacterium is mainly transmitted when in close contact with animals or during sexual contact. Good hygiene and the covering of wounds reduce the risk of transmission.

Can a person with dermatophilosis go to childcare, school or work?

Someone with dermatophilosis can go to childcare, school, or work if they feel well. However, it is important to cover any wounds and to pay close attention to hygiene. This will reduce the risk of infecting others with the bacterium.