infectious diseases
Chromoblastomycosis
Introduction
Chromoblastomycosis is a specific type of cutaneous infection caused by one of several species of dematiaceous (pigmented) fungi. Symptoms are ulcerating nodules on exposed body parts. Diagnosis is by appearance, histopathology, and culture. Treatment is withitraconazole, another mold-active azole, orterbinafineand surgical excision. (See also Overview of Fungal Infections .) Chromoblastomycosis is a cutaneous infection affecting immunocompetent people, mostly in tropical or subtropical areas; it is characterized by formation of papillomatous nodules that tend to ulcerate. Chromoblastomycosis often occurs at the site of penetrating injury, particularly in farmers and other agricultural workers without adequate protective footwear and clothing. Chromoblastomycosis is caused by dark brown or black fungi that produce sclerotic bodies in tissue. 