Cutaneous sporotrichosis, which is caused by Sporothrix schenckii, presents as a nodular or pustular lesion which later ulcerates to form a chancre. After several weeks or months multiple painless subcutaneous nodules appear, indicating that lymphatic involvement has occurred.

Treatment

The infection is usually cured by oral treatment with a saturated solution of potassium iodide (1 g/ml). Treatment should be started with a dosage of five drops three times daily and increased by one drop per dose up to a maximum of 30-40 drops three times daily. The drug should be diluted in a glass of fruit juice, milk or water, or taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal side-effects. Treatment should be continued for at least 1 month after all signs have resolved. If signs of iodism occur (e.g. nausea, vomiting, coryza and an acneiform rash) treatment should be temporarily suspended and restarted several days later at lower dosage. Patients who are unable to tolerate potassium iodide should receive itraconazole, 200-400 mg daily.