Tinea Nigra
Disease Details
Family Health Simplified
- Description
- Tinea nigra is a superficial fungal infection characterized by brown to black, painless patches on the palms or soles.
- Type
- Tinea nigra is a superficial fungal infection of the skin caused by the dematiaceous fungus Hortaea werneckii. It is not genetically transmitted; rather, it is acquired through direct contact with the fungus, typically in warm, coastal environments.
- Signs And Symptoms
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Tinea nigra is a superficial fungal infection of the skin.
Signs and symptoms:
- The appearance of dark brown to black, non-scaly, and painless patches on the palms or soles.
- The affected area may have a well-defined border and can resemble a stain or mole.
- The patches generally do not cause itching or other discomfort.
Nan: Not applicable or there appears to be no relevant information under this category for this condition. - Prognosis
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Tinea nigra is a superficial fungal infection caused by the fungus Hortaea werneckii.
**Prognosis:** The prognosis for tinea nigra is generally excellent. The infection is superficial and can be effectively treated with topical antifungal medications such as miconazole, clotrimazole, or terbinafine. Once treated, the discoloration typically resolves without any lasting effects. Recurrence is uncommon if appropriate hygiene practices are maintained. - Onset
- The onset of tinea nigra is typically gradual. It often begins as a small, brown to black, asymptomatic macule (discolored patch) on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. The affected area may slowly expand over weeks to months.
- Prevalence
- Sure, tinea nigra is a relatively rare fungal infection. Specific prevalence rates are challenging to pinpoint, but it is most commonly seen in tropical and subtropical regions. The infection is caused by the fungus Hortaea werneckii and typically appears as dark brown or black patches on the palms or soles.
- Epidemiology
- Tinea nigra is commonly found in Africa, Asia, Central America, and South America. It is typically not found in the United States or Europe, although cases have been documented in the Southeastern United States. People of all ages can be infected; however, it is generally more apparent in children and younger adults. Females are three times more likely than males to become infected.
- Intractability
- Tinea nigra is not typically considered intractable. It is a superficial fungal infection caused by the fungus Hortaea werneckii. The condition usually responds well to topical antifungal treatments, such as azoles or terbinafine. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment generally result in resolution of the infection.
- Disease Severity
- Tinea nigra is generally considered a mild disease. It is a superficial fungal infection that affects the skin, characterized by dark brown to black painless patches. It is not associated with severe symptoms or serious health complications.
- Healthcare Professionals
- Disease Ontology ID - DOID:8912
- Pathophysiology
- Tinea nigra is a superficial fungal infection caused by the dematiaceous (pigmented) fungus Hortaea werneckii. It primarily affects the skin, especially the palms and soles, leading to the appearance of dark brown to black lesions. The fungal hyphae and yeast-like cells infiltrate the stratum corneum, causing the characteristic pigmentation without eliciting an inflammatory response, thereby remaining asymptomatic other than the discoloration.
- Carrier Status
- Tinea nigra is a superficial fungal infection caused by the dematiaceous fungus Hortaea werneckii. It primarily affects the skin's outermost layer. Carrier status is not typically applicable because it's not a systemic or widely colonizing condition; it is localized to the infected area and is not commonly spread from person to person.
- Mechanism
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Tinea nigra, also known as superficial phaeohyphomycosis, is a rare fungal infection caused by the fungus Hortaea werneckii. This condition typically manifests as hyperpigmented, asymptomatic macules, usually on the palms or soles.
**Mechanism:**
1. **Infection:** The fungus primarily enters the body through minor cuts or abrasions.
2. **Colonization:** Hortaea werneckii colonizes the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis.
3. **Pigmentation:** The pigmentation in tinea nigra results from melanin production by the fungal hyphae within the skin layers.
**Molecular Mechanisms:**
1. **Melanin Production:** Hortaea werneckii produces melanin, a pigment that provides the characteristic dark coloration of the macules. Melanin synthesis involves the enzyme tyrosinase, which converts tyrosine to melanin.
2. **Adhesion:** The fungal cells have specific adhesion molecules that facilitate binding to keratinocytes in the stratum corneum.
3. **Immune Evasion:** The melanin produced by the fungus also plays a role in protecting it from the host's immune system by scavenging free radicals and counteracting oxidative stress.
4. **Enzyme Secretion:** The fungus secretes various enzymes, such as keratinases, that degrade keratin, aiding in its colonization and persistence on the skin surface.
Understanding these mechanisms helps in the development of targeted treatments to effectively manage and eradicate tinea nigra. - Treatment
- Treatment consists of topical application of dandruff shampoo, which contains selenium sulfide, over the skin. Topical antifungal azoles such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, and miconazole may also be used. Azoles are generally used twice daily for a two-week period. This is the same treatment plan for tinea or pityriasis versicolor. Other treatment methods include the use of epidermal tape stripping, undecylenic acid, and other topical agents such as ciclopirox. Once a tinea nigra infection has been eradicated from the host, it is not likely to reoccur.
- Compassionate Use Treatment
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Tinea nigra is typically treated using antifungal medications, and it is a relatively straightforward condition to manage. There is no widely recognized compassionate use treatment for tinea nigra as the available treatments are generally effective.
For off-label or experimental treatments, there is limited information since conventional treatments work well. However, newer antifungals or alternative topical agents might be used off-label in some instances. Yet, these are not standard practices and would generally be considered if conventional treatments fail or are not tolerated. Some potential off-label treatments might include:
1. **Topical Imidazoles**: Drugs like econazole or oxiconazole, though primarily used for other fungal skin infections, could be applied off-label.
2. **Newer Antifungal Agents**: Medications such as efinaconazole or luliconazole might be considered.
Always consult a healthcare provider for the most appropriate treatment options for your specific condition. - Lifestyle Recommendations
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For tinea nigra, lifestyle recommendations include:
1. **Maintain Good Hygiene:**
- Regularly wash the affected area with soap and water to reduce fungal load.
2. **Keep the Area Dry:**
- Ensure that the affected area remains dry, as fungi thrive in moist environments.
3. **Avoid Sharing Personal Items:**
- Do not share towels, clothing, or grooming tools with others to prevent the spread of the fungus.
4. **Wear Breathable Clothing:**
- Use loose-fitting and breathable clothing to reduce sweating and moisture buildup.
5. **Use Antifungal Skin Products:**
- Apply over-the-counter antifungal creams or consult a healthcare provider for prescription options.
6. **Monitor for Spread:**
- Regularly check other areas of the body for signs of the infection to catch and treat it early.
7. **Boost Immune System:**
- Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and manage stress to support immune function.
Adhering to these recommendations can help manage and prevent the recurrence of tinea nigra. - Medication
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Tinea nigra is a superficial fungal infection caused by the dematiaceous fungus Hortaea werneckii. For treatment, topical antifungal medications are typically effective. Commonly used medications include:
1. **Whitfield's ointment (benzoic acid and salicylic acid)**
2. **Topical imidazoles (e.g., clotrimazole, ketoconazole, miconazole)**
3. **Terbinafine cream**
The medication is usually applied to the affected area once or twice daily for 2-4 weeks, or as directed by a healthcare provider. - Repurposable Drugs
- There is no well-established list of repurposable drugs specifically for treating tinea nigra. The condition, caused by the fungus Hortaea werneckii, is typically treated using topical antifungal medications. Over-the-counter options like salicylic acid and topical azoles (e.g., clotrimazole, miconazole) can be effective. If these treatments are ineffective, a healthcare provider might consider other topical or systemic antifungals used for different fungal infections.
- Metabolites
- Tinea nigra is a superficial fungal infection caused by the dematiaceous fungus Hortaea werneckii. There are no specific metabolites associated with tinea nigra that are clinically significant or routinely measured in diagnosis. The primary method for diagnosing tinea nigra typically involves clinical examination and confirmation through microscopic examination and culturing of skin scrapings.
- Nutraceuticals
- Nutraceuticals are not standard treatments for tinea nigra, a superficial fungal infection caused by the fungus Hortaea werneckii. The primary treatment typically involves topical antifungal medications such as ketoconazole or clotrimazole. Nutraceuticals, which are food-derived products with health benefits, do not play a role in the management of this condition. For effective treatment, consult a healthcare provider for appropriate antifungal therapy.
- Peptides
- Tinea nigra is a superficial fungal infection caused by the dematiaceous fungus Hortaea werneckii. The use of peptides in the treatment or diagnosis of tinea nigra is not well-documented or commonly practiced. For this condition, antifungal treatments such as topical azoles (e.g., clotrimazole, miconazole) or allylamines (e.g., terbinafine) are typically recommended. Nano-based technologies are also not standard in the treatment of tinea nigra. The primary approach remains topical antifungals.