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Sporotrichosis - Treatment

Treatment:

The skin infection is usually treated with an antifungal medicine called itraconazole. It is taken by mouth and continued for 2 to 4 weeks after the skin lesions have cleared. You may have to take the medicine for 3 to 6 months.

Fluconazole is used in patients who do not respond to itraconazole. Systemic or disseminated infection is often treated with amphotericin B, or sometimes itraconazole. Therapy for systemic disease can last up to 12 months.

Expectations (prognosis):

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.

Complications:

In people with a normal immune system:

Secondary skin infections
Discomfort

In people who are immunosuppressed:

Disseminated disease
Lung and breathing problems (such as pneumonia)
Bone infection
Arthritis
Meningitis
Complications from medications -- amphotericin B can have serious side effects

Calling your health care provider:

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.

Sporotrichosis on the hand and arm

Sporotrichosis on the arm

Sporotrichosis on the forearm

Reviewed last on: 5/20/2008
Jatin M. Vyas, PHD, MD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital; and Sean O. Stitham, MD, private practice in Internal Medicine, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Kauffman CA. Sporotrichosis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap. 358.

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