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Sporotrichosis is a long-term (chronic) skin infection due to a certain fungus.
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsSporotrichosis is caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii, which is found in vegetation. Infection commonly occurs when the skin is broken while handling plant materials such as rosebushes, briars, or mulch-rich dirt.
Sporotrichosis can be a job-related disease (for farmers, horticulturists, rose gardeners, and plant nursery workers). Widespread (disseminated) sporotrichosis can develop in people with compromised immune systems when they inhale dust filled with spores.
SymptomsSymptoms include a small, painless, red lump that develops at the site of infection and eventually turns into an ulcer. The lump may develop up to 3 months after an injury.
Sores are often on the hands and forearm, because these areas are common injury sites.
The fungus follows lymphatic channels in the body. Small ulcers appear in lines on the skin as the infection goes up an arm or leg. These sores do not heal unless they are treated and may remain for years. The nodules may drain small amounts of pus from time to time.
Body-wide (systemic) sporotrichosis can cause lung and breathing problems, bone infection, Arthritis, and infection of the nervous system.
Signs and testsA physical examination reveals the typical sores. In some cases, a small sample of affected tissue is removed, examined under a microscope and cultured to identify the fungus.
TreatmentThe skin infection is usually treated with an antifungal medicine called itraconazole. It is taken by mouth and continued for 2 to 4 weeks after the skin lesions have cleared. You may have to take the medicine for 3 to 6 months.
Fluconazole is used in patients who do not respond to itraconazole. Systemic or disseminated infection is often treated with amphotericin B, or sometimes itraconazole. Therapy for systemic disease can last up to 12 months.
Expectations (prognosis)With treatment, full recovery can be expected. Disseminated sporotrichosis is more difficult to treat and requires chemotherapy drugs. Disseminated sporotrichosis can be life-threatening for people with a compromised immune system.
ComplicationsIn people with a normal immune system:
- Discomfort
- Secondary skin infections (such as staph or strep)
In people who are immunosuppressed:
- Arthritis
- Bone infection
- Complications from medications -- amphotericin B can have serious side effects
- Lung and breathing problems (such as pneumonia)
- Meningitis
- Widespread (disseminated) disease
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop persistent skin lumps or skin ulcers. If you know that you have been exposed to vegetation, mention this to your health care provider.
PreventionPeople with compromised immune systems should try to minimize skin injury by taking measures like wearing thick gloves while gardening.
ReferencesKauffman CA. Sporotrichosis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 358.
What else can I help you with?
How is sporotrichosis transmitted?
.caused by the microscopic fungus Sporothrix schenckii. The fungus that causes sporotrichosis is found in spagnum moss, soil, and rotting vegetation. The fungus causing sporotrichosis enters the body through scratches or cuts in the skin.
What is another term for sporotrichosis?
Sporotrichosis is sometimes called spagnum moss disease or alcoholic rose gardener's disease.
How is sporotrichosis diagnosed?
The preferred way to diagnose sporotrichosis is for a doctor to obtain a sample of fluid from a freshly opened sore and send it to a laboratory to be cultured. It is possible to confirm.advanced sporotrichosis through a blood test or a biopsy.
How do you cure sporotrichosis?
to cure sporotrichosis you now take itraconazole into your mouth for 2 to 4 weeks or 3 to 6 months
What is spagnum moss?
Sporotrichosis is sometimes called spagnum moss disease or alcoholic rose gardener's disease. Sporotrichosis is a chronic infection caused by the microscopic fungus Sporothrix schenckii
What is spagnum moss disease?
Sporotrichosis is sometimes called spagnum moss disease or alcoholic rose gardener's disease. Sporotrichosis is a chronic infection caused by the microscopic fungus Sporothrix schenckii
What is alcoholic rose gardener's disease?
Sporotrichosis is sometimes called spagnum moss disease or alcoholic rose gardener's disease. Sporotrichosis is a chronic infection caused by the microscopic fungus Sporothrix schenckii
What are treatments for sporotrichosis?
When sporotrichosis is limited to the skin and lymph system,it is.treated with a saturated solution of potassium iodine. In serious cases of sporotrichosis.the preferred treatment is the drug amphotericin B. Alternative treatment.Fungicidal herbs.
What are the symptoms of sporotrichosis?
The first signs of sporotrichosis are painless pink, red, or purple bumps.on the finger, hand, or arm where the fungus entered the body. bumps eventually expand and fester, creating skin ulcers. the infection often moves to nearby lymph nodes.
What is sporotrichosis?
Sporotrichosis is a chronic infection caused by the microscopic fungus Sporothrix schenckii. The disease causes ulcers on the skin that are painless but do not heal, as well as nodules or knots in the lymph channels near the surface of the body.
How is sporotrichosis prevented?
.the best way to prevent the disease is to avoid accidental scrapes and cuts.by wearing gloves and long sleeves while gardening. Washing hands and arms well after working with.potential sources of the fungus may.provide some protection.
Who typically develops contracts sporotrichosis?
.it is most common among nursery workers, farm laborers, and gardeners handling spagnum moss, roses, or barberry bushes. People who have weakened immune systems.Alcoholics.people with diabetes mellitus.are also more likely to become infected.
