Chromoblastomycosis: An etiological, epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, and treatment update

Abstract

Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic, granulomatous, suppurative mycosis of the skin and subcutaneous tissue caused by traumatic inoculation of dematiaceous fungi of the family Herpotrichiellaceae. The species Fonsecaea pedrosoi and Cladophialophora carrionii are prevalent in regions where the disease is endemic. Chromoblastomycosis lesions are polymorphous: verrucous, nodular, tumoral, plaque-like, and atrophic. It is an occupational disease that predominates in tropical and subtropical regions, but there have been several reports of cases in temperate regions. The disease mainly affects current or former farm workers, mostly males, and often leaving disabling sequelae. This mycosis is still a therapeutic challenge due to frequent recurrence of lesions. Patients with extensive lesions require a combination of pharmacological and physical therapies. The article provides an update of epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic features.