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Sporotrichosis: Treatment, Pictures, and Rash
Sporotrichosis: Treatment, Pictures, and Rash
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Medically reviewed by Shuvani Sanyal, M.
D. — By Kristeen Cherney — Updated on August 30, 2017
What is sporotrichosis?
Sporotrichosis is a rare type of fungal infection that can occur in both humans and animals. Also nicknamed “rose handler’s disease,” the fungus can be found in certain plants and their surrounding soil. Sporotrichosis mostly affects people who work with these products, such as:
- farmers
- florists
- gardeners
- those who work at plant nurseries
- those who handle bales of hay
- carpenters
While rare and usually not life-threatening, this type of fungal infection can lead to serious complications.
The symptoms of sporotrichosis often start off mild within the first several weeks of exposure. You’ll experience a small bump that can be red, pink, or purple. This bump appears at the site of exposure, usually on your arm or hand, and may or may not be painful to the touch. It can take 1 to 12 weeks before sporotrichosis shows any symptoms.
As the infection progresses, the bump can turn into an ulcer.
You may have a severe rash surrounding the affected area, as well as new bumps that surface. Sometimes the rash can affect your eyes, and even cause conjunctivitis (commonly called pink eye).
Sporotrichosis is caused by the Sporothrix fungus. This type of fungus is prevalent in all parts of the world, but it may be more common in Central and South America. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the fungus may be found in rose bushes, hay, and moss. If you handle any of these plants or their surrounding soil on a regular basis, you could be at risk for exposure to the fungus. Still, exposure doesn’t automatically mean you’ll develop a fungal infection.
Cutaneous sporotrichosis
Having an open cut or wound on your skin can put you at risk for cutaneous sporotrichosis.This means that the fungus enters your skin. Some people become infected after getting cut by a plant containing the fungus — this is why rose thorns are noteworthy culprits of possible sporotrichosis.
Pulmonary sporotrichosis
Rarely, the fungus can enter your lungs after you breathe in spores from the air. This subtype is called pulmonary sporotrichosis. It may cause breathing difficulties, chest pain, cough, fever, fatigue, and unintentional weight loss.
Sporotrichosis can also be spread to humans from infected animals (especially cats) through scratches and bites. However, it isn’t spread between people. According to BMJ Case Reports, the highest rates of infection tend to occur in people between the ages of 16 and 30.
To properly diagnose sporotrichosis, you’ll need to see your doctor for testing. They will take a skin sample called a biopsy, and then submit it to the lab. If your doctor suspects pulmonary sporotrichosis, they may order a blood test. Sometimes blood tests can also help diagnose severe forms of cutaneous sporotrichosis.
Getting the right treatment depends on the results of these tests.
Fungal infections like sporotrichosis depend on medical treatments to get rid of the fungus from the body.
However, some home treatments can help decrease the spread of the infection. For skin infections, you can make sure that the wound is kept clean and bandaged. This can help prevent any rashes from getting worse. You’ll also want to make sure you avoid scratching the area.
Skin infections from this type of fungus are treated with antifungals, such as oral itraconazole (Sporanox) and supersaturated potassium iodide. These are taken for several months until the infection has fully cleared up.
Severe sporotrichosis may need intravenous (IV) treatments, such as amphotericin B. According to the CDC, you may need to take itraconazole for up to one year after your IV treatments are complete. This helps ensure that the fungus is completely out of your body.
If the infection originated in your lungs, you may need to have surgery. The process involves cutting out infected lung tissue.
Most cases of sporotrichosis aren’t deadly. However, if you don’t treat the infection, you could have the bumps and sores for many years.
Some cases can become permanent.
Left untreated, this type of infection can develop into disseminated sporotrichosis. With this condition, the fungal infection spreads to other body parts. Examples include your bones or your central nervous system. You might experience:
- joint pain
- severe headaches
- confusion
- seizures
A weakened immune system can put you at risk for this type of sporotrichosis, especially if you have HIV.
If you’re pregnant, antifungal medications can harm your baby. Be sure to discuss any possibility of pregnancy with your doctor before taking any antifungals.
Overall, the risk for getting infected by sporotrichosis is rare. According to the CDC, most cases aren’t life-threatening. Still, given the symptoms and potential complications, it’s not worth taking risks when working outdoors.
You can help decrease your risk by always wearing gloves when working with plants and trees. Long sleeves and pants can offer protection too.
If you have a wound, be sure it’s bandaged properly and covered with clothing before handling plant matter.
Last medically reviewed on August 29, 2017
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- Romero-Cabello R, et al. (2011). Disseminated sporotrichosis. DOI:
10.1136/bcr.10.2010.3404 - Sporotrichosis. (2017).
cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/sporotrichosis/index.html - Sporotrichosis: Rose handler’s disease. (2017).
cfsph.iastate.edu/Factsheets/pdfs/sporotrichosis.pdf
Share this article
Medically reviewed by Shuvani Sanyal, M.D. — By Kristeen Cherney — Updated on August 30, 2017
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Sporotrichosis: Treatment, Pictures, and Rash
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Medically reviewed by Shuvani Sanyal, M.
D. — By Kristeen Cherney — Updated on August 30, 2017
What is sporotrichosis?
Sporotrichosis is a rare type of fungal infection that can occur in both humans and animals. Also nicknamed “rose handler’s disease,” the fungus can be found in certain plants and their surrounding soil. Sporotrichosis mostly affects people who work with these products, such as:
- farmers
- florists
- gardeners
- those who work at plant nurseries
- those who handle bales of hay
- carpenters
While rare and usually not life-threatening, this type of fungal infection can lead to serious complications.
The symptoms of sporotrichosis often start off mild within the first several weeks of exposure. You’ll experience a small bump that can be red, pink, or purple. This bump appears at the site of exposure, usually on your arm or hand, and may or may not be painful to the touch. It can take 1 to 12 weeks before sporotrichosis shows any symptoms.
As the infection progresses, the bump can turn into an ulcer.
You may have a severe rash surrounding the affected area, as well as new bumps that surface. Sometimes the rash can affect your eyes, and even cause conjunctivitis (commonly called pink eye).
Sporotrichosis is caused by the Sporothrix fungus. This type of fungus is prevalent in all parts of the world, but it may be more common in Central and South America. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the fungus may be found in rose bushes, hay, and moss. If you handle any of these plants or their surrounding soil on a regular basis, you could be at risk for exposure to the fungus. Still, exposure doesn’t automatically mean you’ll develop a fungal infection.
Cutaneous sporotrichosis
Having an open cut or wound on your skin can put you at risk for cutaneous sporotrichosis.This means that the fungus enters your skin. Some people become infected after getting cut by a plant containing the fungus — this is why rose thorns are noteworthy culprits of possible sporotrichosis.
Pulmonary sporotrichosis
Rarely, the fungus can enter your lungs after you breathe in spores from the air. This subtype is called pulmonary sporotrichosis. It may cause breathing difficulties, chest pain, cough, fever, fatigue, and unintentional weight loss.
Sporotrichosis can also be spread to humans from infected animals (especially cats) through scratches and bites. However, it isn’t spread between people. According to BMJ Case Reports, the highest rates of infection tend to occur in people between the ages of 16 and 30.
To properly diagnose sporotrichosis, you’ll need to see your doctor for testing. They will take a skin sample called a biopsy, and then submit it to the lab. If your doctor suspects pulmonary sporotrichosis, they may order a blood test. Sometimes blood tests can also help diagnose severe forms of cutaneous sporotrichosis.
Getting the right treatment depends on the results of these tests.
Fungal infections like sporotrichosis depend on medical treatments to get rid of the fungus from the body.
However, some home treatments can help decrease the spread of the infection. For skin infections, you can make sure that the wound is kept clean and bandaged. This can help prevent any rashes from getting worse. You’ll also want to make sure you avoid scratching the area.
Skin infections from this type of fungus are treated with antifungals, such as oral itraconazole (Sporanox) and supersaturated potassium iodide. These are taken for several months until the infection has fully cleared up.
Severe sporotrichosis may need intravenous (IV) treatments, such as amphotericin B. According to the CDC, you may need to take itraconazole for up to one year after your IV treatments are complete. This helps ensure that the fungus is completely out of your body.
If the infection originated in your lungs, you may need to have surgery. The process involves cutting out infected lung tissue.
Most cases of sporotrichosis aren’t deadly. However, if you don’t treat the infection, you could have the bumps and sores for many years.
Some cases can become permanent.
Left untreated, this type of infection can develop into disseminated sporotrichosis. With this condition, the fungal infection spreads to other body parts. Examples include your bones or your central nervous system. You might experience:
- joint pain
- severe headaches
- confusion
- seizures
A weakened immune system can put you at risk for this type of sporotrichosis, especially if you have HIV.
If you’re pregnant, antifungal medications can harm your baby. Be sure to discuss any possibility of pregnancy with your doctor before taking any antifungals.
Overall, the risk for getting infected by sporotrichosis is rare. According to the CDC, most cases aren’t life-threatening. Still, given the symptoms and potential complications, it’s not worth taking risks when working outdoors.
You can help decrease your risk by always wearing gloves when working with plants and trees. Long sleeves and pants can offer protection too.
If you have a wound, be sure it’s bandaged properly and covered with clothing before handling plant matter.
Last medically reviewed on August 29, 2017
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- Romero-Cabello R, et al. (2011). Disseminated sporotrichosis. DOI:
10.1136/bcr.10.2010.3404 - Sporotrichosis. (2017).
cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/sporotrichosis/index.html - Sporotrichosis: Rose handler’s disease. (2017).
cfsph.iastate.edu/Factsheets/pdfs/sporotrichosis.pdf
Share this article
Medically reviewed by Shuvani Sanyal, M.D. — By Kristeen Cherney — Updated on August 30, 2017
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READ MORE
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Ringworm may appear differently on dark skin.
And Black people may be more likely to get ringworm on their scalp than elsewhere. We review why.READ MORE
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READ MORE
- Ringworm of the Body (Tinea Corporis)
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READ MORE
- Everything You Need to Know About Fungal Skin Infections
Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI
Fungal skin infections are rarely serious. Learn about seven types, such as a yeast infection or ringworm. Also, get the facts on diagnosis, and…
READ MORE
- What Is Barber’s Itch? Causes and How to Treat It
Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP
Learn more about barber’s itch, including its common causes and treatments as well as how to tell the difference between barber’s itch and similar…
READ MORE
In fact, most cases of ringworm can be treated at home. Early intervention is…
And Black people may be more likely to get ringworm on their scalp than elsewhere. We review why.Sporotrichosis – photo, symptoms, treatment
Sporotrichosis is a chronic disease from the group of deep mycoses.
The disease is ubiquitous, but more common in tropical climates.
Sporotrichosis is caused by the filamentous fungus Sporotrix schenkii, which prefers to settle in tree bark, sphagnum moss, soil, plant debris. Florists, gardeners, and forestry workers are at risk of contracting the sporotrix fungus.
Article content
- 1 How sporotrichosis infection occurs
- 2 Types and symptoms of sporotrichosis
- 3 Diagnosis of sporotrichosis
- 4 Treatment
- 5 Prevention
- 6 Prognosis
9002 2 How does infection with sporotrichosis occur
The infection enters the body when the integrity of the skin is broken, through wounds , scratches, by inhalation of air containing particles infected with the fungus. The fungus affects the skin, muscles, mucous membranes, lymph nodes, bones, lungs.
Infection with sporotrichosis is possible when injured by an animal that is a carrier of the fungus. In Uruguay, up to 80% of cases of sporotrichosis infection are caused by armadillos scratching.
The source of the fungus are cats, horses and other domestic and farm animals.
The incubation period of the disease is from 1 to 12 weeks, the first symptoms of mycosis may appear 2-3 weeks after infection, in rare cases – after 3 days.
The risk group includes people with weak immunity, HIV-infected people taking immunosuppressants, corticosteroids, diabetes, cancer, alcoholism.
Sporotrichosis practically does not resolve on its own, such cases have been observed, but rarely.
Without treatment, the process becomes chronic. With the spread of sporotrichosis to internal organs, the transition of the disease to a generalized stage, the fungus is difficult to treat.
There are recurrences of mycosis caused by Sporotrix schenkii after a full course of treatment.
Types and symptoms of sporotrichosis
When the fungus penetrates the skin and mucous membranes, develops cutaneous and subcutaneous sporotrichosis , the symptoms of the disease are observed more often in the area of the hand, forearm in adults, and in children on the face.
Over time, a sporotrichosis chancre, a deep ulcer surrounded by inflamed red skin, forms at the site of infection with the fungus.
The initial sign of sporotrichosis is a small, painless, subcutaneous lump. Its typical localization in sporotrichosis is the back of the hand, the lateral surface of the finger, as seen in the photo.
When sporotrichosis affects the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx, ulcers, papillomas, erythema are formed in the oral cavity.
Deep cutaneous mycosis is accompanied by inflammation of the lymph nodes, the formation of a dense subcutaneous cord from seals along the lymphatic vessels. For the lymphatic sporotrichoid form of mycosis, an increase in axillary lymph nodes is characteristic.
Widespread (disseminated) sporotrichosis occurs when the fungus enters the bloodstream and forms multiple lesions: secondary infection of the skin, damage to the joints, eyes, brain, lungs.
A secondary lesion of the skin through the blood is of particular danger in widespread sporotrichosis, the lethality in this case reaches 30%.
The disease is more common in men.
Widespread sporotrichosis is a skin rash that covers large areas of the skin all over the body except on the hands and feet.
Severe course is characterized by pulmonary sporotrichosis . Symptoms of this fungal disease are similar to bacterial pneumonia, tuberculosis, are manifested by cough, damage to the lymph nodes.
Chronic, usually unilateral, arthritis, osteomyelitis are typical for osteoarticular species of sporotrichosis . The disease progresses slowly, leading to significant deformation of the joints and bones.
The fungus mainly affects large joints: elbows, knees, wrists, ankles. The fungus Sporotrix schenkii also settles in the small joints of the feet and hands, causing severe deformities and destroying them.
When infection through the blood of the meninges, which occurs in very rare cases, meningitis develops.
Diagnosis of sporotrichosis
The fungal disease sporotrichosis is diagnosed by biopsy.
The material obtained from the biopsy is used for inoculation on a nutrient medium and, according to the characteristic signs of the growth of a colony of Sporotrix schenkii fungi, confirm or refute the diagnosis.
In the diagnosis, microscopic, histological studies and chest x-ray are used in sporotrichosis of the lungs.
The pulmonary form of sporotrichosis is differentiated during diagnosis from pulmonary tuberculosis, deep mycoses, osteomyelitis, plague.
Radiography is used in the diagnosis of articular and bone form of sporotrichosis. On the x-ray in the study of the joints, osteoporosis, fistulous passages can be detected.
Treatment
Pathogenic microscopic fungus Sporotrix schenkii is sensitive to drugs based on amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole.
Against the fungus that causes sporotrichosis, treatment is prescribed with amphoglucamine, amphotericin B, irunin, mycosyst, itrazol, nofung, orungal, flucostat, fluconazole, diflucan, itrazol, rumikoz.
Drug therapy with systemic antimycotics for cutaneous sporotrichosis lasts up to 6 months. Itraconazole is the drug of choice.
potassium iodide can be used instead for cutaneous sporotrichosis. At the first dose, 10 drops of potassium iodide are diluted with water, drunk with milk. Each subsequent day, the dose of potassium iodide is increased by one drop.
Take a solution of potassium iodide for 1-2 months, the dose should not exceed 120 drops of potassium iodide per day.
In case of symptoms of iodism – skin rash, runny nose, stomatitis, conjunctivitis, treatment with potassium iodide is stopped. Do not use a solution of potassium iodide from the sporotrichum fungus for tuberculosis, kidney disease.
In case of individual intolerance, addiction to itraconazole, fluconazole is prescribed instead. Patients with immunodeficiency conditions are treated with ketoconazole.
In case of severe cutaneous sporotrichosis, surgical treatment is used.
Sporotrichosis chancre is dissected, the wound is cleaned without stopping antifungal drug treatment.
Pulmonary sporotrichosis is treated with intravenous administration of amphotericin B, voriconazole in drips, antifungal drugs with itraconazole.
Surgical treatment is indicated for osteoarticular sporotrichosis. During the operation, the synovial membrane of the joint infected with the fungus is excised, and the affected tissues are removed.
Prophylaxis
If painless subcutaneous seals appear on the back of the hands 1-2 weeks after gardening, you should contact a dermatologist, mycologist or infectious disease specialist.
Prevention of sporotrichosis is the prevention of injuries when working with plants, soil.
Prognosis
Cutaneous sporotrichosis is treatable and has a favorable prognosis. With widespread sporotrichosis, infection with the fungus Sporotrix schenkii of the brain, lungs, joints, the prognosis is complicated.
In patients with HIV infection, disseminated sporotrichosis is practically not treated.
We also suggest that you familiarize yourself with other types of skin lesions with deep mycoses in the following articles:
Blastomycosis;
Chromomycosis.
Sporotrichosis: treatment, photo and rash
contents
What is sporotrichosis?
Sporotrichosis is a rare type of fungal infection that can occur in both humans and animals. This fungus, also called “rose disease”, can be found on some plants and in the surrounding soil. Sporotrichosis mainly affects people who work with products such as:
- farmers
- florists
- gardeners
- those who work in plant nurseries
- those who handle hay bales
- carpenters
Although this type of fungal infection is rare and usually not life threatening, it can lead to to serious complications.
Photo of sporotrichosis
What are the symptoms of sporotrichosis?
Symptoms of sporotrichosis often become mild in the first few weeks after infection. You will feel a small bump that may be red, pink, or purple. This bump appears at the site of impact, usually on the arm or forearm, and may or may not be painful to touch. It may take 1 to 12 weeks before sporotrichosis shows any symptoms.
As the infection progresses, the bulge may turn into an ulcer. You may develop a severe rash on the affected area, as well as new bumps on this surface. Sometimes the rash can affect the eyes and even cause conjunctivitis (commonly called conjunctivitis).
Sporotrichosis is caused by the fungus Sporothrix. This type of fungus is widespread in all parts of the world, but may be more prevalent in Central and South America. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the fungus can be found in rose bushes, hay, and moss. If you regularly grow any of these plants or the surrounding soil, you may be exposed to fungi.
However, exposure does not automatically mean that you will develop a fungal infection.
Cutaneous sporotrichosis
An open cut or sore in the skin can put you at risk for cutaneous sporotrichosis. This means that the fungus gets on the skin. Some become infected after being cut with a plant containing the fungus, so rose-pinching is an obvious culprit for possible sporotrichosis.
Pulmonary sporotrichosis
Rarely, the fungus can get into your lungs after you breathe in the spores from the air. This subtype is called pulmonary sporotrichosis. It can cause difficulty breathing, chest pain, cough, fever, fatigue, and unintentional weight loss.
Sporotrichosis can also be transmitted to humans from infected animals (especially cats) through scratches and bites. However, it does not spread among humans. According to BMJ Case Reports, the highest infection rates are mostly in people between the ages of 16 and 30.
To properly diagnose sporotrichosis, you need to see a doctor for tests.
He will take a skin sample, called a biopsy, and then send it to a lab. If your doctor suspects pulmonary sporotrichosis, he may order a blood test. Sometimes blood tests can also help diagnose severe forms of cutaneous sporotrichosis.
Proper treatment depends on the results of these tests.
Fungal infections such as sporotrichosis depend on drug treatment to clear the fungus from the body. However, some home treatments can help reduce the spread of the infection. For skin infections, you can make sure the wound is kept clean and bandaged. This may prevent the rash from worsening. You also need to make sure you don’t scratch the area.
Skin infections of this type of fungus are treated with antifungal drugs such as oral itraconazole (Sporanox) and dry potassium iodide. They are taken for several months until the infection is completely removed.
If you have severe sporotrichosis, you may need intravenous (IV) treatment, such as amphotericin B. According to the CDC, you may need to take itraconazole for up to one year after you finish IV therapy.
This will help to completely remove the fungus from the body.
If the infection is in your lungs, you may need surgery. The process involves excising the infected lung tissue.
Most cases of sporotrichosis are not fatal. However, if you don’t treat the infection, you may have bumps and sores for years. Some cases may become permanent.
If left untreated, this type of infection can develop into disseminated sporotrichosis. Apart from this condition, the fungal infection spreads to other parts of the body. Examples include bones or the central nervous system. You may experience:
- joint pain
- severe headaches
- confusion
- seizures
A weakened immune system can put you at risk for this type of sporotrichosis, especially if you have HIV.
If you are pregnant, antifungal medicines can harm your baby. Be sure to discuss any possibility of pregnancy with your doctor before taking any antifungal medication.