Sporotrichosis, a hazard of outdoor work or recreation. Three illustrative cases.

Persons whose work or recreation exposes them to minor trauma out of doors are at risk for sporotrichosis. The disease is generally indolent, with the lymphocutaneous form being by far the commonest. Extracutaneous disease may affect the bones or joints, lungs, or other foci. Isolation of the fungus Sporothrix schenckii from involved tissue establishes the diagnosis. Saturated solution of potassium iodide is the first-line treatment of lymphocutaneous disease. Intravenous amphotericin B is used for lesions not responding to saturated solution of potassium iodide and, occasionally, excision of lesions is required. Amphotericin B also is the treatment of choice for extracutaneous sporotrichosis.