Chromoblastomycosis masquerading as palmo-plantar psoriasis

Area of Science:

• Mycology
• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic fungal infection affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissues.
• It is typically caused by dematiaceous fungi from the Fonsecaea genus.
• Clinical presentation can mimic other dermatological conditions like psoriasis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of chromoblastomycosis in a pediatric patient.
• To highlight the diagnostic challenges and key findings in this case.

Main Methods:

• Clinical examination of scaly, hyperkeratotic palmar and plantar lesions.
• Potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation of skin scrapings.
• Fungal culture on Sabouraud's dextrose agar.
• Microscopic examination using Lacto phenol cotton blue stain.

Main Results:

• KOH preparation revealed characteristic round, brown, thick-walled fungal bodies.
• Fungal culture grew grey-black, velvety colonies.
• Microscopic identification confirmed Fonsecaea pedrosoi as the causative agent.

Conclusions:

• Fonsecaea pedrosoi can cause chromoblastomycosis with a clinical presentation resembling palmo-plantar psoriasis in children.
• Microscopic and culture-based diagnostic methods are crucial for identifying the causative fungus.
• Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective management of chromoblastomycosis.