Medical Treatment

Treatment of sporotrichosis depends on the site infected.

• Infections in the skin only: These infections have traditionally been treated with saturated potassium iodide solution. This medicine is given 3 times per day for 3-6 months until all the lesions have gone away. Skin infections may also be treated with itraconazole (Sporanox) for up to 6 months.

• Infection in the bones and joints: These infections are much more difficult to treat and rarely respond to potassium iodide. Itraconazole (Sporanox) is often used as an initial medication for several months or even up to a year. Amphotericin is also used, but this medicine can only be given through an IV. Amphotericin has more side effects and may need to be administered for many months. Surgery is sometimes needed to remove infected bone.

• Infection in the lungs: Lung infections are treated with potassium iodide, itraconazole (Sporanox), and amphotericin with varying amounts of success. Sometimes, the infected areas of the lung have to be removed.

• Infection in the brain: Sporotrichosis meningitis is very rare, so information on treatment is not readily available. Amphotericin plus 5-fluorocytosine is generally recommended, but itraconazole (Sporanox) might also be tried.