Anthrax Skin Lesions: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Cutaneous anthrax is the most common form, resulting from spore entry through a skin break. It begins as a painless bump resembling an insect bite, then develops into a black necrotic eschar with surrounding redness and swelling. The eschar eventually sloughs, leaving a deep ulcer that heals over weeks to months.

Prompt antibiotic treatment (ciprofloxacin, doxycycline) is essential. Without treatment, infection can spread systemically.