Primary Cutaneous Aspergillosis Mimicking Tinea Corporis: A Case Report
2
조회
0
다운로드
0
인용
0
참고문헌
키워드
초록
Primary cutaneous aspergillosis (PCA) is a rare form of Aspergillus infection that usually affects immunocompromised people. However, it also occurs in healthy individuals, where it is often mistaken for common dermatophyte infections. We describe a case of a 27-year-old woman, with a normal immune system, who developed persistent, itchy, red to darkened patches on both lower legs for over two years. Initial examination and KOH microscopy suggested tinea corporis. Despite using oral antifungal medications and topical urea cream, the lesions only improved slightly. A fungal culture later identified Aspergillus niger as the cause. She was treated with 200 mg of oral itraconazole daily and topical urea cream, resulting in significant improvement after eight weeks. PCA in patients with healthy immune systems is rare and often results from minor, unnoticed trauma introducing fungus. Although A. fumigatus and A. flavus are more common causes, A. niger is an uncommon culprit. This case highlights the diagnostic difficulties of PCA given its resemblance to a dermatophyte infection. Fungal culture is an important diagnostic step, if available. Healthcare providers should think about PCA in unusual or long-lasting skin conditions that do not respond to treatment, even in healthy individuals, to ensure quick diagnosis and proper antifungal therapy management.
Abstract
Primary cutaneous aspergillosis (PCA) is a rare form of Aspergillus infection that usually affects immunocompromised people. However, it also occurs in healthy individuals, where it is often mistaken for common dermatophyte infections. We describe a case of a 27-year-old woman, with a normal immune system, who developed persistent, itchy, red to darkened patches on both lower legs for over two years. Initial examination and KOH microscopy suggested tinea corporis. Despite using oral antifungal medications and topical urea cream, the lesions only improved slightly. A fungal culture later identified Aspergillus niger as the cause. She was treated with 200 mg of oral itraconazole daily and topical urea cream, resulting in significant improvement after eight weeks. PCA in patients with healthy immune systems is rare and often results from minor, unnoticed trauma introducing fungus. Although A. fumigatus and A. flavus are more common causes, A. niger is an uncommon culprit. This case highlights the diagnostic difficulties of PCA given its resemblance to a dermatophyte infection. Fungal culture is an important diagnostic step, if available. Healthcare providers should think about PCA in unusual or long-lasting skin conditions that do not respond to treatment, even in healthy individuals, to ensure quick diagnosis and proper antifungal therapy management.