Diagnosis and Treatment of Lymphocutaneous Sporotrichosis: What Are the Options?

Lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis is the most common clinical form of cutaneous sporotrichosis. Caused by a complex of dimorphic fungi called Sporothrix schenckii complex, it is an occupational disease, present especially in tropical and subtropical areas, and has been reported in all continents. Diagnosis is established by isolation of the causative agent. Therapy of choice for lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis is itraconazole, and in developing countries, potassium iodide solution. In general, the lymphocutaneous form is considered a mild benign form of the disease, and the majority of cases respond well to treatment in about 3-4 months of therapy. In this paper, we have made a general review of the disease, especially of the epidemiology, clinical features and diagnosis of the lymphocutaneous form, as well as a brief analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of diverse treatments.