Dermatoscopy in the diagnosis of tinea nigra.

Tinea nigra is an asymptomatic superficial fungal infection caused by Phaeoannelomyces werneckii, generally affecting the skin of the palms and characterized by deeply pigmented macular non-scaly patches. These lesions are quite characteristic. However, they can be misdiagnosed as a malignant melanoma or a junctional melanocytic nevus and unnecessary biopsies may be performed. Thus, dermoscopy is a fast, useful, clinical adjunctive tool in differentiating tinea nigra from melanocytic lesion.