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Tinea Nigra

How to Say It: Tee-nee-uh Ni-gra

Definition

Tinea nigra is an infection of the outer layer of skin. A black or brown patch forms on the skin. It often affects the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It may also appear on the neck or trunk. Tinea nigra is a harmless condition.

Causes

Tinea nigra is caused by a fungus. The fungus is found in rotting wood, soil, compost, or sewage. The fungus may enter the body through a break in the skin.

Risk Factors

Tinea nigra is most common in subtropical and tropical areas. The risk is highest in those who live or travel to areas such as:

  • South Africa
  • Brazil
  • Panama
  • Cuba
  • Puerto Rico
  • Coastal southeastern United States

Symptoms

Symptoms of tinea nigra are a brownish-black patch on the skin that:

  • Has an irregular shape with a darker border
  • May be itchy or scaly
  • Tends to get bigger over time

It may be mistaken for a type of skin cancer.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. You may see a skin doctor.

A small sample of the affected skin will be scraped and tested. This will confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Tinea nigra is usually treated with antifungal skin creams.

Prevention

To reduce the risk of tinea nigra:

  • If living in or traveling to high-risk areas:
    • Avoid contact with rotting wood, dirt, sewage, or compost.
    • If working with materials listed above, wear gloves and other protection.
RESOURCES:

American Academy of Dermatology
https://www.aad.org

Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
https://familydoctor.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

The College of Family Physicians of Canada
http://www.cfpc.ca

REFERENCES:

Lima Dantas M, Serrão Fensterseifer G, et al. Entodermoscopy in the diagnosis of tinea nigra: two case reports. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2020

Mandel GL, Bennett JE, et al. (eds). Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier, Inc.; 2005.

Melanoma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/melanoma. Accessed April 2, 2021.

Tinea nigra. DermNet New Zealand website. Available at: https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/tinea-nigra. Accessed April 2, 2021.

Last reviewed December 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board David L. Horn, MD, FACP