MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Skin lesion of blastomycosis

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Skin lesion of blastomycosis

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider

Illustrations

Fungus

Definition Return to top

A skin lesion of blastomycosis is a symptom of an infection with Blastomyces dermatitidis in which the skin becomes infected as the fungus spreads throughout the body.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

Blastomycosis is a rare fungal infection that occurs primarily in the central and southeastern states of the US, and in Canada, India, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Africa. It is acquired by inhaling fungal particles found in moist soil, particularly amongst decaying vegetation. People with immune system disorders are at highest risk.

The lungs are the portal of entry for this infection and are the main organ involved. The fungus may disseminate (spread) to other areas of the body after initial infection in the lungs and affect the skin, bone/joints, genitourinary tract and other systems.

Skin disease is primarily a manifestation of disseminated (widespread) blastomycosis and occurs in up to 80% of individuals. Skin lesions may be wartlike or appear as ulcers and may affect the nose and mouth as well.

Symptoms Return to top

Papules, pustules, or nodules
- May appear wartlike
- May vary from gray to violet in color.
Subcutaneous nodules
Pustules that ulcerate
- May bleed easily
- May occur in the nose or mouth

With time, these lesions can lead to scarring and loss of skin pigment. The lesions are most frequently found on exposed body areas.

Signs and tests Return to top

The diagnosis is based on culture of the fungus from the skin lesion -- which usually requires a skin biopsy.

Treatment Return to top

Treatment involves the use of antifungal agents such as amphotericin B, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or fluconazole. Depending on the form and stage of the disease, intravenous or oral agents may be used.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

Prognosis depends on the form of blastomycosis and the immune system status of the individual. In immuno-suppressed individuals, long-term therapy may be required to prevent recurrence.

Complications Return to top

Secondary bacterial skin infection
Abscesses
Spontaneously draining nodules
Complications related to medications (For instance, amphotericin B can have severely unpleasant side effects.)

Calling your health care provider Return to top

The skin manifestations of blastomycosis are varied and may be similar to skin conditions associated with other illnesses. Notify your health care provider if you develop any skin problems that you think are suspicious.

Update Date: 7/16/2004

Updated by: Daniel Levy, M.D., Ph.D., Infectious Diseases, Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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