Chromoblastomycosis: clinical presentation and management.

Chromoblastomycosis is an important subcutaneous mycotic infection that is endemic worldwide but more common in the tropics. It is caused by the traumatic inoculation of the skin with pigmented saprophytic moulds, and the principal infective species are Fonsecaea pedrosoi and Cladophialophora carrionii. Although chromoblastomycosis is not known to be fatal, it is characteristically chronic, and can be complicated by lymphatic damage and neoplastic transformation. It is one of the more difficult-to-treat mycoses, and a variety of antifungal regimens often combined with various physical treatments can be used.