Tinea nigra

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Micrograph of the fungus Hortaea werneckii, the causative agent of tinea nigra
Tinea nigra
Classification and external resources
ICD-10 B36.1
DiseasesDB 32450
eMedicine derm/890

Tinea nigra (also known as "superficial phaeohyphomycosis,"[1] and "Tinea nigra palmaris et plantaris"[1]) is a superficial fungal infection that causes dark brown to black painless patches on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.[2]:311

Causes[edit]

This infection is caused by the fungus formerly classified as Exophiala werneckii, but more recently classified as Hortaea werneckii.[3] The causative organism has also been described as Phaeoannellomyces werneckii.[4]

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of tinea nigra causing fungus is made on microscopic examination of skin scrapings, mixed with potassium hydroxide (KOH).[5] The KOH lyses the nonfungal debris.[5]

Treatment[edit]

Treatment consists of topical application of dandruff shampoo, which contains selenium sulfide, over the skin. Topical antifungal imidazoles may also be used, such as ketoconazole. This is the same treatment plan for tinea or pityriasis versicolor.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Rapini, Ronald P.; Bolognia, Jean L.; Jorizzo, Joseph L. (2007). Dermatology: 2-Volume Set. St. Louis: Mosby. pp. Chapter 76. ISBN 1-4160-2999-0. 
  2. ^ James, William D.; Berger, Timothy G.; et al. (2006). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: clinical Dermatology. Saunders Elsevier. ISBN 0-7216-2921-0. 
  3. ^ Murray, Patrick R.; Rosenthal, Ken S.; Pfaller, Michael A. (2005). Medical Microbiology (5th ed.). Elsevier Mosby. 
  4. ^ Pegas JR, Criado PR, Lucena SK, de Oliveira MA (2003). "Tinea nigra: report of two cases in infants". Pediatric dermatology. 20 (4): 315–7. doi:10.1046/j.1525-1470.2003.20408.x. PMID 12869152. 
  5. ^ a b Gladwin, Mark; Trattler, Bill. Clinical Microbiology (4th ed.). p. 196. 

External links[edit]