Chromomycosis

Chromomycosis is a slowly spreading fungal infection that involves the skin and subcutaneous tissue. It usually affects the upper or lower extremities but may also involve the buttocks, ears, face, shoulders, or trunk. Dissemination is rare. Over a period of years the infection may spread to adjacent tissue, causing large wartlike or cauliflower-like lesions and lymphatic stasis. Chromomycosis commonly occurs among rural barefoot agricultural workers in warm-weather regions. The disease is most common among men ages 30 to 50.

Causes

Chromomycosis is caused by dematiaceous fungi: most commonly Fonsecaea pedrosoi and Cladosporidium carrionii; less commonly, Phialophora verrucosa, Rhinocladiella aquaspersa, and Wangiella dermatitidis. These fungi are found in decaying vegetation, wood, and soil. F. pedrosoi is common in the tropical rainforests of Brazil. C. carrionii is common in drier climates of Madagascar, Australia, China, Mexico, Cuba, and Africa. Transmission commonly occurs from minor penetrating trauma caused by a splinter of wood or other material. The incubation period is unknown but is thought to be several months. Chromomycosis is not transmitted from person to person.

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