Recognizing sporotrichosis, including its causes and treatment

Definition

What is sporotrichosis?

Sporotrichosis is a skin infection caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii. This fungus is often found on rose thorns, straw, sphagnum moss (moss or peat species; usually used for growing orchids or other ornamental plants), twigs, and soil.

This infection is more common in gardeners and people who breed roses and moss, hay producers, and people who cultivate the land.

Once the fungus infects the skin, it can take days to months for the infection to manifest symptoms.

Sporotrichosis infection is rare.

Signs & Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of sporotrichosis?

The initial symptom of sporotrichosis is a hard, textured rash that can be pink or purplish in color. The nodule is not painful or only feels a little painful when pressed. Over time, the nodule can break off and cause a clear discharge. If left untreated, they can be chronic and recur for years.

In most cases, a fungal infection can attack the lymph glands. Over time, a rash will appear in a line formation that appears on the hand or arm. These nodules can last up to years.

In very rare cases, the infection can affect other parts of the body, such as the bones, joints, lungs, and brain. This complication is more prone to occur in people who have low immune system. This condition is difficult to treat and may be fatal.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

Cause

What causes sporotrichosis?

The fungus spores can enter the body and infect the skin when you are pricked by a thorn with a rose stalk or a twig. Even so, infection can also occur when you touch straw or sphagnum moss without having an open wound on the skin.

Very, very rarely, cats and pangolins can mediate the spread of this fungus.

In some cases, the fungal spores can be inhaled or ingested, causing infection in internal parts of the body other than the skin.

Diagnosis & Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is sporotrichosis diagnosed?

Sporotrichosis is diagnosed by performing a biopsy (taking a sample of skin tissue). Afterwards, a sample of your skin will be examined in a laboratory to find out what caused the infection.

Blood tests can help confirm a diagnosis of a severe case of sporotrichosis. However, it cannot diagnose skin infections.

How is sporotrichosis treated?

Most cases of sporotrichosis involve only the outermost layer of skin or tissue under the skin. This infection is not life threatening, but must be treated with antifungal drugs for several months. The drug most often prescribed for this case is itraconazole which is taken routinely for 3-6 months. Another drug is the supersaturated potassium iodide (SSKI). However, SSKI and itraconazole should not be used during pregnancy.

Severe cases of sporotrichosis are treated with amphotericin B, which is given by injection. Itraconazole is usually used after initial therapy with amphotericin B, for the total duration of antifungal drug therapy overall takes up to 1 year. An infection that has already caused in the lung may need surgery to remove the damaged tissue.

Home Remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat sporotrichosis?

There are no specific tips to help with sporotrichosis symptoms. However, any nodules that appear should be kept clean, dry, and covered until they heal.

Please discuss with your doctor for more information. If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.