Chromomycosis

Although chromomycosis is native to tropical and subtropical regions, cases have been found throughout the world. This disease, in any case, is not contagious

Chromomycosis is a chronic fungal infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. This means that it is a disease caused by fungi and that it has a long duration.

Its main characteristic is the formation of black pigments. These appear mainly in the lower limbs, especially in the feet. As the disease progresses, wart-like nodules and plaques form. These can ulcerate and generate cauliflower-shaped tumor masses.

Chromomycosis is also known by other names such as: Fonseca disease, Pedroso and Lane disease, Chromium blastomycosis and warty dermatitis.

Overview of Chromomycosis

The first reference to chromomycosis was made in 1911. Since then it has been detected in more than 50 countries on all continents. However, isolated cases have occurred on the five continents, which is why it is considered a universal disease.

This disease is typical of tropical and subtropical areas, since the fungi that produce it usually grow in regions with a temperature of 25-28 ° C.

Chromomycosis is usually contracted by rural dwellers who do not wear shoes. In particular, it affects those who raise goats. On the other hand, it is rarely suffered by individuals under the age of 20. In fact, it is more common in men between the ages of 30 and 60.

Some families have a greater genetic predisposition to contract this infection; although it should be noted that it is not a contagious disease.

Chromomycosis is a rare disease, which is transmitted by contact with fungi present in plants. In general, this contact occurs through an injury, such as a scratch, a puncture, any form of break or opening in the skin.

Causes and evolution of chromomycosis

Chromomycosis is transmitted by dematiaceous fungi, which are characterized by producing very resistant spores. Such spores are spread by man, animals or by the wind. Thus they reach the ground and settle there, mainly in wood and plants.

Once contracted, the infection progresses slowly over several years. This means that the fungus takes time to adapt to the host. As it does so, the microorganism forms thick black structures. As a consequence, microabscesses appear on the skin, which eventually turn into ulcers and later into small tumors. If the lesions heal, they almost always leave the area irreversibly deformed or partially disabled.

Symptoms appear at the site of infection, that is, where the fungi were acquired. Sometimes they spread lymphatically to other places in the body. The incubation time of the disease is highly variable. Cases ranging from 2 months to 40 years are known.

Approximately, the average time between the appearance of the first symptoms and the diagnosis can be up to 14 years, with which, this may not always occur in an initial stage.

Chromomycosis diagnosis

The diagnosis of chromomycosis is made with a laboratory test. It is necessary to take a sample of the scabs or scales present on the skin. For this, a good washing of the lesions must be done, with soap and water. Then, clean with alcohol and then proceed to take the sample.

• This is placed on a slide, along with a drop of 30% potassium hydroxide.
• It is then covered with a coverslip.
• It is left to rest for a period of 30 minutes and then it is observed under a microscope. The test can determine if chromomycetes are present. If there are, chromomycosis is diagnosed.

It is also usual that cultures are carried out with the samples of the lesion. On some occasions, especially in chronic patients, blood tests are ordered. These reveal the presence of some antibodies.

Complications

The main

The complication of chromomycosis is bacterial superinfection. This is an additional infection that is bacterial in origin. From the infection, the lymph nodes become swollen and very painful nodules appear.

Long-lasting lesions could lead to squamous cell carcinomas. These are malignant tumors that appear on the skin, particularly in the spinous layer of the skin.

Squamous cell carcinomas are dangerous, as they easily metastasize to other areas of the body. Sometimes the infection spreads through the blood. In that case there are other areas of the body that are affected; such as: the lymph nodes, the central nervous system and the lungs.