A case of primary cutaneous cryptococcosis

The case of a 77-year-old man in whom a large digital ulcer with undermined edges was due to cutaneous infection by Cryptococcus neoformans variety neoformans serotype D, probably following direct inoculation, is reported. Long-term steroid treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may have been a risk factor. A 12-day course of intravenous amphotericin B at a cumulative dose of 750 mg, followed by oral fluconazole at a daily dose of 600 mg for six weeks, resulted in healing of the skin lesion. Manifestations of primary cutaneous cryptococcosis in immunocompetent or immunocompromised patients are reviewed.