[Ecthyma contagiosum (Orf) as an uncommon differential diagnosis of infections of the hand].

Orf of the hand is considered as an uncommon viral infection which is usually acquired through contact with infected sheep and goats. Indirect infections through contaminated knives or meat have been reported. Many authors feel that the disorder is more common than reported because the disease is often misdiagnosed and the course is usually self-limiting with spontaneous healing within several weeks. Diagnosis is mainly made by patient's history and clinical course. It is important to know the benign nature of human orf, since complications seem to be caused by overtreatment.