Fish scale-induced dermatitis

J Am Acad Dermatol. 1993 Jun;28(6):962-5. doi: 10.1016/0190-9622(93)70138-j.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Adhesiveness
  • Animals
  • Biopsy
  • Dermatitis, Irritant / etiology*
  • Dermatitis, Irritant / pathology
  • Dermatitis, Occupational / etiology*
  • Dermatitis, Occupational / pathology
  • Female
  • Fishes*
  • Humans
  • Keratosis / etiology
  • Keratosis / pathology
  • Mice
  • Skin / pathology
  • Time Factors