Skin lesion of histoplasmosis - Treatment

Treatment:

Antifungal drugs, such as amphotericin B, itraconazole, and ketoconazole, are the usual treatments. Antifungals may be given intravenously depending on the form or stage of disease. In some cases, long-term treatment with antifungal drugs may be needed.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outlook depends on the form of histoplasmosis and the condition of the individual's immune system. Death can occur in some cases.

Complications:

Bacterial skin infection
Complications of medications (for example, amphotericin B can have severe, unpleasant side effects)

Calling your health care provider:

The skin lesions may be similar to skin problems from other infections or illnesses. Notify your health care provider if you develop any suspicious lesions on your skin, so that you may be tested correctly.

Histoplasmosis, disseminated in HIV patient

Reviewed last on: 9/15/2010
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Kauffman CA. Histoplasmosis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 353.

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