Seal finger is an infection that occurs after a bite from a seal or contact with the mouth or bodily fluids of a seal. It most commonly affects individuals who work closely with marine animals, such as seal hunters, animal handlers, and marine biologists.

The infection is generally caused by Mycoplasma species, first associated with Mycoplasma phocacerebrale in 1991 and then with Mycoplasma phocimorsus in 2023. The condition has been reported from several regions worldwide, although it is most commonly encountered in Scandinavia, Greenland, the Canadian Arctic, and Alaska.

The condition typically presents with a painful, swollen finger, often accompanied by erythema and stiffness, and can progress to joint or tendon involvement if untreated. Symptoms usually develop within days to weeks after exposure and may not initially respond to common antibiotics. Timely recognition and treatment are essential in the prevention of long-term complications.