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Sporotrichosis
     
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Sporotrichosis

Rose gardener's disease; Rose handler's disease

 

Sporotrichosis is a long-term (chronic) skin infection that is caused by a fungus called Sporothrix schenckii.

Causes

 

Sporothrix schenckii is found in plants. Infection commonly occurs when the skin is broken while handling plant material such as rosebushes, briars, or dirt that contains a lot of mulch.

Sporotrichosis can be a job-related disease for people who work with plants, such as farmers, horticulturists, rose gardeners, and plant nursery workers. Widespread (disseminated) sporotrichosis can develop in people with a weakened immune system when they inhale dust filled with spores of the fungus.

 

Symptoms

 

The symptoms include a small, painless, red lump that develops at the site of infection. As time passes, this lump will turn into an ulcer (sore). The lump may develop up to 3 months after an injury.

Most sores are on the hands and forearms because these areas are commonly injured when handling plants.

The fungus spreads following the channels in your body's lymph system. Small ulcers appear as lines on the skin as the infection moves up an arm or leg. These sores do not heal unless they are treated, and they may last for years. The sores may sometimes drain small amounts of pus.

Body-wide (systemic) sporotrichosis can cause lung and breathing problems, bone infection, arthritis, and infection of the nervous system.

 

Exams and Tests

 

Your health care provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms. The exam will show the typical sores caused by the fungus. Sometimes, a small sample of affected tissue is removed, examined under a microscope, and tested and cultured in a lab to identify the fungus.

 

Treatment

 

The skin infection is often treated with an antifungal medicine called itraconazole. It is taken by mouth and continued for 2 to 4 weeks after the skin sores have cleared. You may have to take the medicine for 3 to 6 months. A medicine called terbinafine may be used instead of itraconazole.

Infections that have spread or affect the entire body are often treated with amphotericin B, or sometimes itraconazole. Therapy for systemic disease can last up to 12 months.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

With treatment, full recovery is likely. Disseminated sporotrichosis is more difficult to treat and requires several months of therapy. Disseminated sporotrichosis can be life threatening for people with a weakened immune system.

 

Possible Complications

 

People with a healthy immune system may have:

  • Discomfort
  • Secondary skin infections (such as staph or strep)

People with a weakened immune system may develop:

  • Arthritis
  • Bone infection
  • Complications from medicines -- amphotericin B can have serious side effects, including kidney damage and changes in blood chemistries
  • Lung and breathing problems (such as pneumonia)
  • Brain infection (meningitis)
  • Widespread (disseminated) disease

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Contact your provider if you develop persistent skin lumps or skin ulcers that do not go away. Tell your provider if you know that you were exposed to plants from gardening.

 

Prevention

 

People with a weakened immune system should try to reduce risk for skin injury. Wearing thick gloves while gardening can help.

 

 

Open References

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Sporotrichosis basics. www.cdc.gov/sporotrichosis/about/index.html. Updated April 24, 2024. Accessed April 15, 2026.

Spec A, Rex JH, Okhuysen PC. Sporothrix schenckii. In: Blaser MJ, Cohen JI, Holland SM, et al, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 265.

Thompson GR, Miceli MH. Endemic mycoses. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 308.

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  • Sporotrichosis on the hand and arm

    Sporotrichosis on the hand and arm

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  • Sporotrichosis on the arm

    Sporotrichosis on the arm

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  • Sporotrichosis on the forearm

    Sporotrichosis on the forearm

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  • Fungus

    Fungus

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    • Sporotrichosis on the hand and arm

      Sporotrichosis on the hand and arm

      illustration

    • Sporotrichosis on the arm

      Sporotrichosis on the arm

      illustration

    • Sporotrichosis on the forearm

      Sporotrichosis on the forearm

      illustration

    • Fungus

      Fungus

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    Review Date: 3/1/2026

    Reviewed By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor in Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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