Skin lesion of blastomycosis

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

Fungus

A skin lesion of blastomycosis is a symptom of an infection with the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis, in which the skin becomes infected as the fungus spreads throughout the body.

Blastomycosis is a rare fungal infection that occurs primarily in the central and southeastern states of the US and in Canada, India, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Africa. A person gets infected by inhaling fungal particles that are found in moist soil, particularly amongst rotting vegetation. People with immune system disorders are at highest risk for this infection.

The lungs are the point of entry for this infection, and are the main organ involved. The fungus may disseminate (spread) to other areas of the body after initial infection in the lungs. The infection may affect the skin, bones and joints, genitourinary tract, and other systems.

Skin disease is primarily a manifestation of disseminated (widespread) blastomycosis, and occurs in up to 80% of individuals. Skin lesions may be wartlike or appear as ulcers. They may affect the nose and mouth as well.

Review Date: 09/05/2006
Reviewed By: D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.