From the Guidelines
Infections in the arm related to rose gardening are typically caused by bacteria entering through puncture wounds from thorns, with Staphylococcus aureus and soil bacteria like Sporothrix being common culprits, and the most effective treatment for sporotrichosis, a fungal infection that can occur, is itraconazole (200mg daily for 3-6 months) 1. When considering the management of such infections, it is crucial to prioritize measures that minimize morbidity, mortality, and impact on quality of life. The first step in managing an infection from a rose gardening injury is to clean the wound immediately with soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin, and cover with a sterile bandage. For mild infections, continue this care and monitor for 24-48 hours. Seek medical attention if you develop:
- Increasing redness
- Warmth
- Swelling
- Pus
- Red streaks extending from the wound
- Fever
- Or if symptoms don't improve within 2 days. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics such as cephalexin (500mg four times daily for 7-10 days) or clindamycin (300mg four times daily for 7-10 days) for bacterial infections, as evidenced by the need for effective antimicrobial therapy in such cases 1. To prevent these infections, it is recommended to:
- Wear thick gardening gloves
- Long sleeves
- Use sanitized pruning tools
- Clean wounds promptly. Rose thorn injuries can be particularly dangerous because thorns can carry bacteria deep into tissue, and some people may develop sporotrichosis, a fungal infection requiring prescription antifungal medication, highlighting the importance of prompt and appropriate treatment 1.
From the Research
Infection Arm Related to Rose Gardening
- Sporotrichosis is a cutaneous fungal infection that can be related to rose gardening, as it is often associated with trauma during outdoor work, such as gardening 2.
- The disease has several clinical forms, primarily cutaneous with associated lymphadenopathy, and can be treated with itraconazole, which has become the first choice for treatment of cutaneous sporotrichosis 3, 4.
- Itraconazole has been shown to be effective in treating sporotrichosis, with a high cure rate and low incidence of adverse events 3, 4.
- The use of itraconazole for the treatment of sporotrichosis is supported by several studies, which have demonstrated its safety and efficacy in treating this infection 3, 2, 4, 5.
- In contrast, other studies have investigated the treatment of staphylococcal skin infections, which may also be related to rose gardening, but these are not directly relevant to the treatment of sporotrichosis 6.