Sporotrichosis

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Sporotrichosis on the arm

Sporotrichosis on the forearm

Sporotrichosis on the hand and arm

The skin infection is usually treated with potassium iodide (for example, SSKI) given by mouth 3 times per day or itraconazole by mouth. Treatment is prolonged and continues 1 month after the skin lesions clear. Systemic or disseminated infection is often treated with Amphotericin B, or sometimes itraconazole.

With treatment, full recovery can be expected. Disseminated sporotrichosis is more difficult to treat and requires chemotherapeutic agents. Disseminated sporotrichosis can be life-threatening for immunocompromised people.

In people with a normal immune system:

• Secondary skin infections
• Discomfort

• Disseminated disease
• Lung and breathing problems (such as pneumonia)
• Osteomyelitis
• Arthritis
• Meningitis
• Complications from medications -- amphotericin B can have extremely unpleasant side effects

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.

Review Date: 09/25/2006
Reviewed By: Charlotte Grayson, MD, Private Practice specializing in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Smyrna, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.