Chromoblastomycosis

Chromoblastomycosis, together with phaeohyphomycosis and mycetoma, makes up the disease entities caused by the dematiaceous fungi. Most cases of chromoblastomycosis are caused by five genera of fungi: Fonsecaea compactum, Fonsecaea pedrosoi, Phialophora verrucosa, Cladosporium carrionii, and Rhino-cladiella aquaspersa. The disease has a cosmopolitan distribution but predominates in rural, agricultural settings. Clinically, chromoblastomycosis is hallmarked by verrucous nodules at the site of fungal implantation. Treatment involves surgical excision of the affected area, antimycotic agents, physical modalities such as temperature manipulation, or a combination of these.