An Urban Case of Chromoblastomycosis in the United States

Rash is a common chief complaint in the emergency room. Infection and pathogen colonization of the skin are among the most common causes of rash. Workers throughout the world are occupationally exposed to fungal species, increasing the likelihood of infection. Chromoblastomycosis is a common tropical infection found in workers exposed to the fungal species Fonsacaea and Cladophiafophora. Although rarely seen in the United States, some cases of chromoblastomycosis have been reported. Presentations in immunocompetent patients primarily involve dermal infections. Long-term treatment is required to avoid complications related to untreated infection. Our case presents an elderly immunocompetent patient who emigrated from an endemic region in Asia and presented with chromoblastomycosis. This case highlights the importance of internists recognizing a locally rare but treatable condition.

Automated summary

Rash is a common chief complaint in the emergency room, with infection and pathogen colonization of the skin being among the most common causes. Occupational exposure to fungal species increases the likelihood of infection, with chromoblastomycosis being a common tropical infection found in workers exposed to certain fungal species. In immunocompetent patients, dermal infections are the primary presentation and require long-term treatment.