1. Sporo...What?
Sporotrichosis is a form of fungal skin infection caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii. While sporotrichosis almost always affects the skin, there have been rare cases in people with weak immune systems in which the infection spreads to the lungs, joints or central nervous system. People at risk for this infection include those handling plants, particularly moss and hay as well as thorny plants.
2. Pretty Plants With Not-So-Pretty Spores
The fungus which causes sporotrichosis is found in plant materials, including soil, moss, hay, bayberry bushes and roses. Most often the spores inter the skin through small cuts or when the skin is punctured by barbs, thorns, pine needles or bailing wire. In rare cases the spores can be inhaled causing pulmonary infection. Sporotrichosis is only spread through plant matter and cannot be passed from person to person.
3. Signs and Symptoms
Sporotrichosis generally begins with a small pain-free bump on the skin which is often mistaken for an insect bit. The bump will appear wherever the fungus entered the body, most often on the fingers or hands where the skin was broken. With time, more bumps will form and may grow into boils or open ulcers. In the rare occurrence of infection through inhalation, the spores may cause pneumonia with symptoms including difficulty breathing, fever and cough. Sporotrichosis is a slow-moving infection. In most cases bumps begin to appear about three weeks after infection; however, it may take up to 12 weeks for any symptoms to appear.
4. Treatment Takes Time
Sporotrichosis requires specific treatment; therefore, proper diagnosis from a doctor is important. Your doctor will take a biopsy or swab of the infection and then test the fungal culture for the specific spore. Infections are most commonly treated with two medications, one internal and one external. In the case of lung or bone infections, IV medications may be necessary, and rarely, surgery is required to remove parts of infected tissue and bone. Treatment is usually long, taking 3 or more months to heal skin infections and up to a year for bone and lung infections.
5. Prevention is the Best Medicine
If you work around plants or hay, you are better safe than sorry. Protect your skin by wearing long sleeves and pants and using protective gloves when working with roses, hay, pine seedlings or other plant materials which may cut the skin. Additionally, sphagnum moss is a major carrier of the Sporothrix schenckii fungus, making it one of the leading causes of sporotrichosis; therefore, care should be taken when handling the moss. For the greatest protection, wear gloves, cover all exposed skin and wear a face mask to prevent inhalation.
