DefinitionSporotrichosis is a long-term (chronic) skin infection due to a certain fungus.Causes, incidence, and risk factorsSporotrichosis is caused by the fungus Sporothrix schenckii, which is found in vegetation. Infection commonly occurs when the skin is broken while handling plant materials such as rosebushes, briars, or mulch-rich dirt.Sporotrichosis can be a job-related disease (for farmers, horticulturists, rose gardeners, and plant nursery workers). Widespread (disseminated) sporotrichosis can develop in people with compromised immune systems when they inhale dust filled with spores.SymptomsSymptoms include a small, painless, red lump that develops at the site of infection and eventually turns into an ulcer. The lump may develop up to 3 months after an injury.Sores are often on the