Ulcerative Unilateral Tinea Manuum Caused by Nannizzia gypsea

Area of Science:

• Medical Mycology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Dermatophytes cause superficial fungal infections (tineas), primarily affecting keratinized tissues.
• Tinea manuum (hand fungal infection) typically presents non-inflammatorily or inflammatorily, with ulcerative forms being rare.
• Nannizzia gypsea is an uncommon dermatophyte, with prevalence varying geographically.

Observation:

• A 23-year-old female from the Yucatan Peninsula presented with a unilateral ulcerative lesion on her left hand.
• Initial clinical suspicion was Leishmaniasis, but subsequent diagnosis confirmed tinea manuum.

Findings:

• This case documents an unusual ulcerative presentation of tinea manuum.
• Nannizzia gypsea was identified as the causative agent, a less common etiology for this condition.
• The study explores potential pathogenic mechanisms contributing to the ulcerative manifestation.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider dermatophytosis, including rare ulcerative forms, in the differential diagnosis of hand lesions.
• Comprehensive diagnostic approaches are crucial, especially in regions where fungal infections are endemic.
• This case expands the understanding of Nannizzia gypsea's clinical spectrum.