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.