MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Sporotrichosis on the hand and arm

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Sporotrichosis on the hand and arm

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.

Update Date: 9/25/2006

Updated by: Charlotte Grayson, MD, Private Practice specializing in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Smyrna, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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