A superficial fungal infection called tinea nigra affects the skin and causes dark, brownish to blackish patches or blotches. The fungus Hortaea werneckii, which flourishes in warm, humid conditions like tropical and...
Let’s Know About It.
A superficial fungal infection called tinea nigra affects the skin and causes dark, brownish to blackish patches or blotches. The fungus Hortaea werneckii, which flourishes in warm, humid conditions like tropical and subtropical climates, is the cause of it.
The hands and feet are frequently affected by tinea nigra, although it can also affect other regions of the body. As a harmless and non-contagious skin infection, the condition is typically neither unpleasant nor irritating. Because tinea nigra can occasionally be confused with more serious skin illnesses like melanoma, it is crucial to seek medical assistance if you suspect you have it.
How Long Ago Was It Identified?
Brazilian physician Joo Baptista de Lacerda initially diagnosed tinea nigra as a fungal infection in 1891, when he first characterized it.
Hortaea werneckii, the fungus that causes tinea nigra, was initially discovered and named after Werneck in 1917.
Tinea nigra is mainly found in tropical and subtropical areas, and although it was initially believed to be restricted to the coasts of Brazil, it has subsequently been discovered in other countries, including the United States, Europe, and Asia.
In some areas, the prevalence of tinea nigra appears to be rising, probably as a result of factors like rising travel, climate change, and environmental pollution.
Despite being able to affect persons of various ages and genders, tinea nigra is more frequently encountered in children and young adults.
Usually, a clinical diagnosis of tinea nigra is made, and the diagnosis is then confirmed with laboratory procedures including microscopy and fungal cultures.
Typically, azoles or allylamines are given topically to the afflicted area as part of the treatment for tinea nigra, though oral antifungal drugs may also be required in some circumstances.
Tinea nigra is frequently curable with appropriate therapy, and it rarely has any negative long-term repercussions.
What Is Its Epidemiology?
The frequency of tinea nigra is thought to be less than 1% of all dermatological cases, making it a relatively uncommon fungal illness.
Tropical and subtropical areas are where the syndrome is most prevalent, with coastal Brazil reporting the highest occurrence.
The United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa are just a few of the various regions where cases have been reported.
Both men and women can develop tinea nigra, however, children and young people are the most frequently affected.
People with the illness are more likely to reside or work in warm, humid environments, such as coastal regions or tropical woods.
Frequent exposure to dirt, water, or organic matter, underlying immunosuppressive diseases, or drug use are all risk factors for tinea nigra development.
Despite being a generally benign and non-contagious skin infection, melanoma, and other more dangerous skin disorders are frequently confused with tinea nigra.
What Is Its Pathogenesis?
Hortaea werneckii, a fungus, grows and colonizes on the skin's surface and causes tinea nigra.
In tropical and subtropical areas, the yeast-like Hortaea werneckii fungus is typically found in soil and decomposing plant matter.
Hortaea werneckii is thought to penetrate the skin by minor cuts or abrasions or through direct contact with infected soil or organic materials, while the exact mechanism of transmission to humans is not entirely understood.
Once inside the skin, the fungus starts to multiply and spread, resulting in distinctive brownish-to-blackish patches or spots that are caused by tinea nigra.
The pigments that the fungus secretes resemble melanin and are part of what gives tinea nigra lesions their dark hue.
The ability of the fungus to endure extreme environmental stressors, such as high temperatures, UV radiation, and desiccation, is assumed to be connected to pigment production.
Tinea nigra normally just affects the epidermis and is a superficial infection (the outermost layer of the skin).
It is believed that the disorder is non-invasive and non-pathogenic because it rarely results in major tissue damage or inflammation.
It is crucial to seek medical care if you think you may have tinea nigra since the pigmented tinea nigra spots occasionally resemble melanoma, a more dangerous form of skin cancer.
Steering Into Risk Factors.
Regularly coming into contact with soil, water, or organic debris, especially in tropical and subtropical areas where Hortaea werneckii is frequently found.
Living or working in an atmosphere that is warm and muggy, such as a tropical forest or a coastal region.
Immunosuppressive diseases or drug use that may be present at the root of the problem can raise the likelihood of getting a fungus infection.
Inadequate personal hygiene habits or reduced skin integrity, such as cuts, scrapes, or other types of skin damage, might give the fungus a way in.
Engaging in outdoor pursuits like hiking, camping, or gardening may expose one to more dirt and organic material.
A prior history of tinea nigra or another fungus infection.
Because they frequently come into contact with soil and organic debris, certain occupational groups including farmers, horticulturists, and landscapers may be more at risk.
Individuals who have traveled to tropical or subtropical areas in the past, especially if they have spent a lot of time outside.
Uncovering The Causes.
Hortaea werneckii, a fungus, grows and colonizes on the skin's surface, resulting in a fungal infection.
A dematiaceous (dark-pigmented), yeast-like fungus called Hortaea werneckii is typically found in soil and decomposing plant matter in tropical and subtropical areas.
Hortaea werneckii is thought to penetrate the skin by tiny cuts or abrasions, direct contact with contaminated soil or organic materials, or some other yet-unknown mechanism of transmission to humans.
Once inside the skin, the fungus starts to multiply and spread, resulting in distinctive brownish-to-blackish patches or spots that are caused by tinea nigra.
The ability of the fungus to endure extreme environmental stress, such as high temperatures, UV radiation, and desiccation, is believed to be correlated with the pigment generation in the fungal cells.
While direct contact with an infected person or contaminated things may transmit the fungus, tinea nigra is not normally thought to be contagious.
Those who reside or work in warm, humid locations, such as coastal regions or tropical forests, where the fungus is more abundant, are more likely to suffer from the illness.
Poor hygienic habits, repeated exposure to soil, water, or organic matter, and reduced skin integrity are all risk factors for tinea nigra development. Fungal infections may also be more likely to develop in the presence of underlying immunosuppressive diseases or drug use.
What Can Be The Signs and Symptoms?
On the skin's surface, tinea nigra often manifests as a brownish-to-blackish patch or spot.
Typically, the lesion has uneven or scalloped edges and is flat and clearly defined.
The affected region could be a little elevated or scaly, but it usually doesn't itch or hurt.
Although the lesion may gradually grow over time, it often does not spread beyond its original boundaries.
The hands and feet are frequently affected by tinea nigra, but other parts of the body, including the neck, face, and trunk, can also be affected.
There may be several lesions on the afflicted area in some circumstances.
The lesion's color may become darker or lighter over time, but if untreated, it typically doesn't go away.
Tinea nigra is typically regarded as a benign ailment that doesn't significantly harm or inflame tissue.
It is crucial to seek medical care if you think you may have tinea nigra since the pigmented tinea nigra spots occasionally resemble melanoma, a more dangerous form of skin cancer.
What Can Be The Diagnosis?
Physical examination: The doctor will examine the affected area physically and check for any distinctive brownish-to-blackish patches or spots on the skin's surface. To further examine the lesion, they might also employ a dermatoscopy, a specialized magnification tool.
Skin scraping: The doctor may use a scalpel or the blunt edge of a microscope slide to scrape away some skin from the affected area. The scraping is then inspected under a microscope to check for the presence of any fungal components, such as yeast cells, hyphae, or spores.
Fungal culture: To determine the precise type of fungus causing the infection, a sample of skin from the affected area may be collected and cultivated in a lab. While the diagnosis of tinea nigra may frequently be made based on the physical characteristics of the lesion and microscopic analysis, this method is not frequently employed in treating it.
Differential diagnosis: The physician may also conduct a differential diagnosis, which entails ruling out additional medical illnesses that may exhibit comparable symptoms, such as melanoma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or different kinds of fungi.
How Can One Get Rid Of This?
Topical antifungal medications: Topical antifungal medications are frequently used as the first line of treatment for tinea nigra. Examples include azoles, allylamines, and ciclopirox. These drugs function by preventing the fungus from growing and replicating. They are applied directly to the affected area, typically twice daily for two to four weeks.
Systemic antifungal medications: Systemic antifungal agents may be recommended in rare circumstances, such as when an infection is severe or does not respond to topical treatment. These drugs are more effective than topical ones and are given orally, but they can have more serious side effects and need greater monitoring.
Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy uses extremely low temperatures, often liquid nitrogen, to freeze and kill the afflicted tissue. Although it is uncommon, this approach to treating tinea nigra might be taken into account if the lesion is unresponsive to conventional forms of therapy.
Excision through surgery: In a few rare instances, it may be advised to remove the afflicted tissue through surgery, especially if it is large or situated in an area where it might be unsightly.
Tinea nigra is no match for your determination : take action and win the battle.
