infectious diseases
Chromoblastomycosis
Symptoms and Signs of Chromoblastomycosis
Usually, chromoblastomycosis begins on the foot or leg, but other exposed body parts may be infected, especially where the skin is broken. Early small, itchy, enlarging papules may resemble Overview of Dermatophytoses (ringworm). These papules extend to form dull red or violaceous, sharply demarcated patches with indurated bases. Several weeks or months later, new lesions, projecting 1 to 2 mm above the skin, may appear along paths of lymphatic drainage. Hard, dull red or grayish cauliflower-shaped nodular projections may develop in the center of patches and, if the infection is untreated, gradually extend to cover extremities over the course of many years. Lymphatics may be obstructed, itching may persist, and secondary bacterial superinfections may develop, causing ulcerations and occasionally septicemia. In chromoblastomycosis, small papules initially extend to form dull red or violaceous, sharply demarcated patches with indurated bases. Image courtesy of www.doctorfungus.org © 2005. In chronic chromoblastomycosis, hard, dull, red or grayish, cauliflower-shaped nodular projections develop over years and extend to cover the extremities. Image courtesy of www.doctorfungus.org © 2005. This photo shows extensive chromoblastomycosis involving the right lower extremity. Multiple verrucous and tumorous lesions can be seen. Image courtesy of Karen McKoy, MD. 