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Sporotrichosis (cont.)

Sporotrichosis Symptoms

  • Once the mold spores move into the skin, the disease takes days-to-months to develop.

  • The first symptom is a firm bump (nodule) on the skin that can range in color from pink to nearly purple. The nodule is usually painless or only mildly tender.

  • Over time, the nodule may develop an open sore (ulcer) that may drain clear fluid.

  • Untreated, the nodule and the ulcer become chronic and may remain unchanged for years.

  • In about 60% of cases, the mold spreads along the lymph nodes. Over time, new nodules and ulcers spread in a line up the infected arm or leg. These can also last for years.

  • In very rare cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body.

    • The disease can infect the bones, joints, lungs, and brain.

    • Such spreading usually occurs only in people with a weakened immune system.

    • These infections can be life threatening and are difficult to treat.



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Sporotrichosis »

Sporotrichosis is a subacute or chronic infection caused by the soil fungus Sporothrix schenckii.

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