SPOROTRICHOSIS

 Basic information

description

Sporotrichosis is a fungal infection that affects the skin. It is not contagious from person to person. It can affect all ages, and occurs in equal numbers of men and women.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• A small, movable, non-tender bump (nodule) usually on the fingers, hands, or arms. It starts at the place where the fungus entered the skin. The color may be pink, red, or purple.
• More bumps occur around the same area.
• The bumps may ulcerate (become open sores).
• The skin infection can spread in a line-like formation up the fingers, hands, or arms. They spread along what is called lymphatic channels.

causes

• Infection by a fungus, Sporotrichum schenckii, that lives in soil, sphagnum moss, weeds, baled hay, and decaying organic vegetation. It enters the skin through small cuts or punctures, such as from thorns. The infection may appear on the skin 1 to 12 weeks after exposure. Very rarely, an inhaled form may occur.
• Research has shown that a pet cat may have the infection and pass it to a human through a bite or scratch.

risk increases with

• Farm laborers, plant nursery workers, gardeners, and others who handle rosebushes, sphagnum moss, hay bales, or barberry bushes.
• Kids playing among hay bales.
• Those with weak immune system due to illness or drugs are more at risk for complications.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Wear gloves and long sleeves when working with plants with thorns, hay bales, pine seedlings, or other materials that could cause minor skin breaks.
• Avoid skin contact with sphagnum moss. It has been the cause of some outbreaks.

expected outcomes

Curable with treatment, but it can take several months to heal completely.

possible complications

Spread of the fungal infection to joints, lungs, and central nervous system. This is rare, but may occur in those who have diabetes or weak immune systems.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam of the affected skin. Medical tests may include a culture of fluid from the sores or a small bit of tissue is removed for viewing under a microscope.
• The disorder is treated with antifungal drugs.
• You may be advised to apply warm compresses or a heating pad to the affected skin for 40 to 60 minutes a day. This can help control the skin symptoms.
• Cover lesions with loose-fitting bandages to prevent secondary infection with bacteria.
• Rarely, hospital care may be needed if complications occur.

medications

Oral (taken by mouth) antifungal drugs are usually prescribed. Drugs may be continued for 1 to 2 months or more after the skin symptoms have cleared up.

activity

No limits.

diet

No special diet.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has symptoms of sporotrichosis.
• Any new sores occur after treatment starts.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Antifungal drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.

Special Notes: