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Sporotrichosis on the forearm

Sporotrichosis on the forearm

Overview

Sporotrichosis is a fungal infection that frequently occurs following a minor injury while gardening or farming. Spores, which live in vegetation, enter the skin and begin to grow. The fungus follows the lymph channels up the extremity. Granulomatous lesions develop along the lymph channel, ulcerate, and drain. If left untreated, this condition can persist for years.

Review Date 3/10/2022

Updated by: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Associate Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Associate in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.