Contents

SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyReferences

View all Images (15)

Tinea nigra in Adult
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Tinea nigra in Adult

Contributors: Rajini Murthy MD, Belinda Tan MD, PhD, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Tinea nigra is a superficial fungal infection caused by Hortaea werneckii. Tinea nigra is uncommon in the United States, where it may be seen along the Gulf Coast. It is more commonly found in tropical regions of Central and South America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Australia. It presents as one or more asymptomatic tan, brown, or black macules or patches, usually on the palm or sole. The palm is affected more frequently than the sole. Other areas of the body, such as the neck or trunk, can also be affected.

After contamination from an infected source (eg, soil, sand, waste, or wood), the mycosis infects the stratum corneum, resulting in a dark macule or patch as the fungal hyphae produce melanin. The incubation period is typically 10-15 days. 

The most frequently affected populations are children and adolescents (children are more prone to exposure to the fungus); however, persons of any age may be affected. 

Immunocompromised Patient Considerations
The fungus involved in causing infections of tinea nigra can lead to serious infections in immunocompromised patients. There is a risk of disseminated disease from superficial cutaneous fungal infections noted in transplant patients.

Codes

ICD10CM:
B36.1 – Tinea nigra

SNOMEDCT:
186289000 – Tinea nigra

Look For

Subscription Required

Diagnostic Pearls

Subscription Required

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential

Subscription Required

Best Tests

Subscription Required

Management Pearls

Subscription Required

Therapy

Subscription Required

References

Subscription Required

Last Reviewed:03/20/2022
Last Updated:04/06/2022
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Tinea nigra in Adult
A medical illustration showing key findings of Tinea nigra : Irregular configuration, Palm, Plantar foot
Clinical image of Tinea nigra - imageId=2215789. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'Dark brown macules and patches with a speckled appearance on the palm.'
Dark brown macules and patches with a speckled appearance on the palm.
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.