Tinea nigrais afungal infectionmarked by ring-shaped brown or black patches on the soles of the feet and palms.
Tinea nigra is a superficial fungalinfection affecting the epidermis, or top layer, of skin.
This condition is uncommon.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet and ©Te Whatu Ora Waikatowww.dermnetnz.org2023.
Reproduced with permission from ADermNet and ATe Whatu Ora Waikatowww.dermnetnz.org2023.
The mold can enter the body through broken skin or with trauma.
It produces a black pigment that is much like the melanin pigment in human skin.
Complications of Tinea Nigra
Tinea nigra is mostly a cosmetic disorder.
Complications are rare in healthy people.
In addition, untreated tinea nigra could cause the patches to grow larger and become a long-term cosmetic concern.
It is usually found in countries with tropical climates and some coastal areas of Europe and North America.
Diagnosing tinea nigra usually involves a dermoscopic examination, a skin scraping examination, and sometimes a skin biopsy.
Tinea nigra can be treated with antifungal creams or exfoliants.
Sometimes, iodine solutions can also treat the skin condition.
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