Sporotrichosis - Looking strangely familar

[megluth72]

Hi all! I have, in the last couple of days, broke out in a terrible, intensely itchy rash all over my legs. To boot I also broke out in hives. So, as I do every night, I went in search of an explanation before I tore all of my skin off. I found information on a fungal infection called sporotrichosis (say that ten times fast!). Funny thing was I actually found this information on webmd.com (not always a wealth of information). Anyways, upon further review and googling some images, it looks and sounds much like what is going on with me, especially with the skin lesions. It just goes with the theory Kritters has been telling us about this possibly being fungal related. Anyways, here's the webmd article and some pics:

"Sporotrichosis is an infection of the skin caused by a fungus, Sporothrix schenckii. This infection-causing fungus is related more closely to the mold on stale bread or the yeast used to brew beer than to bacteria that usually cause infections. The mold is found on rose thorns, hay, sphagnum moss, twigs, and soil. Therefore, the infection is more common among gardeners who work with roses, moss, hay, and soil.

* Sporotrichosis usually begins when mold spores are forced under the skin by a rose thorn or sharp stick.

* The infection can also begin in apparently unbroken skin after contact with hay or moss carrying the mold.

* Farmers, nursery workers, landscapers, and gardeners are at higher risk for the disease.

* More rarely, cats or armadillos can transmit the disease.

* In very rare cases, the organism can be inhaled or ingested, leading to infection of parts of the body other than the skin.

* The disease does not appear to be transmitted from person to person.

Sporotrichosis Symptoms

* Once the mold spores move into the skin, the disease takes days-to-months to develop.

* The first symptom is a firm bump (nodule) on the skin that can range in color from pink to nearly purple. The nodule is usually painless or only mildly tender.

* Over time, the nodule may develop an open sore (ulcer) that may drain clear fluid.

* Untreated, the nodule and the ulcer become chronic and may remain unchanged for years.

* In about 60% of cases, the mold spreads along the lymph nodes. Over time, new nodules and ulcers spread in a line up the infected arm or leg. These can also last for years.

* In very rare cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body.

o The disease can infect the bones, joints, lungs, and brain.

o Such spreading usually occurs only in people with a weakened immune system.

o These infections can be life threatening and are difficult to treat.

* Sporotrichosis in the skin or lymph nodes should not be dangerous or life threatening.

* Open ulcers can become infected with bacteria and may cause a condition known as cellulitis.

* If a rapidly expanding area of redness, pain, and warmth around the original ulcers develops, you should go to a hospital's emergency department.

Pictures:
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...s/sporo2-1.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...pics/sporo.jpg

[Kritters]

Meg.....

Please tell me they are not pictures of your legs.

Okay, I have an open statement to any conscientious biological researcher out there who is lurking and afraid to come forward to help here.

There is absolutely NO EXCUSE FOR YOUR COWARDNESS.

In this vast world of extremes in level of intelligence and accomplishment I am beyond incredulous that among you there is no one who cares enough about the pain and suffering and will step forward with an explanation or a theory.

If you are not better than that, prepare for the eradication of life as you think you know it. Let your conscience be your guide and just remember, this life and beyond it may not be what it seems to you.

Kritters

[megluth72]

No, those are not pictures of me. I'm more "hivey-scaley" looking right now (bet you wish you didn't ask! - yuck!). Anyways I'd be too embarrassed to show my back side - ou vie. What a mess that is!

And now I shall get out my pom poms for your Kritters. You go girl!

[Natalie]

Hi, I agree. Sounds familiar to me too. I know its more than parasites that cause problems. The itchinng and sneezing and burning.
When you were young, ever eat something bad, something growing mold, by accident I have, it felt alive, burning and peppery taste on the toungue. I get like that now! I can feel and taste the different toxins around me and in the air. It casues chocking and asthma too, not just skin problems. Jeeppers creepers huh?

Hey, congratulations on being a grandma! I got 2, a boy and girl. Nothing like it huh?!!
Have a good day, Natalie