Cutaneous anthrax is the most common form of anthrax infection, and it is also considered to be the least dangerous. Infection usually develops from 1 to 7 days after exposure. When anthrax spores get into the skin, usually through a cut or scrape, a person can develop cutaneous anthrax.

What are symptoms of cutaneous anthrax?

• A group of small blisters or bumps that may itch.
• Swelling can occur around the sore.
• A painless skin sore (ulcer) with a black center that appears after the small blisters or bumps. Most often the sore will be on the face, neck, arms, or hand.

Is skin anthrax curable?

Cutaneous anthrax is easy to cure if it is treated early with appropriate antibiotics. Inhalational anthrax results from breathing anthrax spores into the lungs. People who handle animal hides infested with spores may develop inhalational anthrax, known as woolsorter’s disease.