Man gets granuloma from hobby of raising ornamental fish

Having enjoyed raising ornamental fish for many years, Mr. T. (60 years old, Hanoi ) regularly changes the water and cleans the fish tank. This seemingly harmless job is the cause of his granuloma due to bacterial infection in dirty water.

Doctor Nguyen Tien Thanh examines a patient - Photo: Provided by the doctor

Doctor Nguyen Tien Thanh, a member of the Vietnam Dermatology Association, said he had just received a case of swimming pool granuloma from improperly raising ornamental fish.

The patient is Mr. T., a person who has been enjoying keeping ornamental fish for many years. Mr. T. shared that he spends hours every day taking care of the fish tank. From changing the water to cleaning the tank, he does it himself without wearing gloves.

"For over a year now, a red, swollen mass has appeared on the second finger of his right hand. It is not painful or itchy, but it is inconvenient and unsightly. Although he has been examined in many places, there has been no progress," Mr. T. shared.

After examining and asking about the patient's medical history and performing a culture test, Dr. Thanh diagnosed this as a case of granulomatosis caused by Mycobacterium infection - a common disease in people who keep ornamental fish, also known as swimming pool granulomatosis.

According to Dr. Thanh, swimming pool granuloma is a disease caused by the bacteria M. Marinum, which often appears in dirty water environments or fish tanks with pathogens. This bacteria penetrates through small scratches on the skin, causing granulomatous lesions.

"In this patient's case, it is very likely that the fish tank was contaminated with bacteria, and then during the process of cleaning with bare hands, bacteria entered and caused the disease," Dr. Thanh analyzed.

These granulomas are small papules or nodules or red-brown plaques 1-4cm, may have erosions, hyperkeratotic and raised surface, usually not ulcerated - necrotic. Some have crusts on the granulomas, may secrete pus. Some have small satellite papules, may create tunnels under the granulomas on the hands, elbows, knees, legs.

Patients often confuse it with benign lesions such as skin fungus, contact dermatitis, warts, etc. However, if not treated properly, the disease can last for many years, causing discomfort and affecting daily life.

According to Dr. Thanh, the disease is common in people who have the habit of direct contact with fish tanks, ponds or swimming pool water... contaminated with M.Marinum without wearing protective gear.

High-risk groups include aquarists who regularly clean tanks with bare hands. Workers in aquariums or aquatic environments, or fishermen.

How to prevent disease?

To protect yourself from the risk of contracting pool granuloma, Dr. Thanh recommends that aquarium hobbyists always use protective gloves when cleaning fish tanks or handling dirty water. Maintain regular aquarium hygiene, change water regularly and clean the equipment in the tank. Do not touch dirty water with bare hands, especially when the skin has scratches or open wounds, and wear protective gear.

"If you discover any unusual, persistent skin lesions, such as painless, red, itchy, oozing lumps that do not heal, you should go to a specialized dermatology facility for timely examination and treatment," Dr. Thanh emphasized.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nguoi-dan-ong-mac-u-hat-vi-thu-vui-nuoi-ca-canh-20241130083905605.htm