What causes dark spots on the bottom or top of feet. How is tinea nigra diagnosed. What are the most effective treatments for fungal infections on feet. Can tinea nigra be prevented. How does tinea nigra differ from other skin conditions.

Understanding Tinea Nigra: A Rare Fungal Infection

Tinea nigra is an uncommon fungal infection that manifests as brown or black patches on the skin, primarily affecting the soles of the feet and palms of the hands. In rare instances, it may also appear on the torso. This condition is caused by a type of yeast known as Hortaea werneckii, which enters the body through small wounds or breaks in the skin.

The infection is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, making it a concern for residents of these areas and travelers who have recently visited such locations. While tinea nigra is generally harmless and confined to the superficial layers of the skin, its appearance can be alarming and may be mistaken for more serious conditions.

Key Characteristics of Tinea Nigra

• Typically appears as a single, slow-growing patch
• Can be round, linear, or irregularly shaped
• May resemble a growing mole or freckle
• Usually asymptomatic, but can occasionally cause itching
• More common in individuals under 20 years of age

Recognizing the Symptoms of Tinea Nigra

Identifying tinea nigra can be challenging, as its symptoms can be subtle and easily overlooked. The primary sign is the appearance of brown or black patches on the skin, which may initially be small and faint. These patches tend to grow slowly over time, and their characteristics can vary.

How can you distinguish tinea nigra from other skin conditions? Here are the key symptoms to look out for:

• A single patch that appears following an injury to the skin
• Slow-growing discoloration that may be round, linear, or irregularly shaped
• Patches that either cause no symptoms or mild itching
• Discoloration that resembles a growing mole or freckle
• In rare cases, a slow-growing brown patch on the torso

It’s important to note that while most cases of tinea nigra present as a single lesion, multiple patches can occur if the fungus enters the body through several points of entry, such as wounds on both hands.

The Causative Agent: Hortaea werneckii

Hortaea werneckii, the primary culprit behind tinea nigra infections, is a fascinating microorganism with a complex history. This yeast has been known by various scientific names over the years, including Cladosporium werneckii, Exophiala werneckii, and Phaeoannellomyces werneckii. In some cases, another yeast called Stenella araguata may also cause tinea nigra.

What makes Hortaea werneckii thrive? Like many fungi, it flourishes in moist or humid environments. Its natural habitat includes:

• Soil
• Decaying wood
• Other organic materials

When this yeast comes into contact with human skin, particularly through a small wound or break in the skin barrier, it can establish an infection. The areas most susceptible to tinea nigra are those with a high concentration of sweat glands, such as the hands and feet.

Risk Factors for Developing Tinea Nigra

While tinea nigra can affect anyone, certain factors increase the likelihood of developing this fungal infection. Understanding these risk factors can help individuals take preventive measures and seek early diagnosis if symptoms appear.

What are the primary risk factors for tinea nigra?

1. Residence in or recent travel to tropical or subtropical regions
2. History of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
3. Recent skin injuries or wounds
4. Frequent contact with wood, soil, or compost, especially in tropical areas
5. Engaging in activities such as gardening without gloves or woodworking in high-risk regions

By being aware of these risk factors, individuals can take appropriate precautions to minimize their chances of contracting tinea nigra, particularly when living in or traveling to areas where the infection is more common.

Diagnosis and Differential Considerations

Accurate diagnosis of tinea nigra is crucial, as its appearance can mimic other skin conditions, some of which may be more serious. How do medical professionals differentiate tinea nigra from other skin disorders?

The diagnostic process typically involves the following steps:

1. Clinical examination: A doctor will assess the appearance and location of the skin lesion.
2. Patient history: Questions about recent travel, injuries, and exposure to potential sources of infection are common.
3. Skin culture: A sample of the affected skin is taken and sent to a laboratory to test for the growth of Hortaea werneckii.
4. Skin biopsy: In some cases, a small tissue sample may be taken to rule out skin cancer or other conditions.

The skin culture is particularly important in confirming a tinea nigra diagnosis. If Hortaea werneckii grows within a week of culturing, it indicates a positive result for tinea nigra.

Conditions That May Resemble Tinea Nigra

• Melanoma
• Junctional nevi
• Addison’s disease
• Fixed drug eruption
• Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation

Given the potential for misdiagnosis, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment of any unusual skin discoloration.

Treatment Options for Tinea Nigra

Once diagnosed, tinea nigra is generally straightforward to treat. The infection responds well to both topical and oral antifungal medications. What are the most effective treatment options for tinea nigra?

Topical Antifungal Creams

The first-line treatment for tinea nigra typically involves topical antifungal creams. These medications are applied directly to the affected area and work by killing the fungus or preventing its growth. Common topical antifungals used for tinea nigra include:

• Terbinafine
• Miconazole
• Ketoconazole
• Ciclopirox olamine

Patients should apply these creams as directed by their healthcare provider, typically for about one month or until the lesion has completely resolved.

Oral Antifungal Medications

In cases where topical treatments are ineffective or the lesions are extensive, oral antifungal drugs may be prescribed. These medications work systemically to combat the infection. However, it’s worth noting that oral antifungals may not always be more effective than topical treatments for tinea nigra.

Home Remedies and Over-the-Counter Options

For those seeking home remedies, keratolytic agents may offer some relief. These substances help remove excess skin and can be effective against tinea nigra. Some over-the-counter options include:

• Wart creams
• Salicylic acid
• Whitfield’s ointment

It’s important to note that these remedies may not be suitable for everyone, particularly pregnant women or those trying to conceive. In such cases, professional medical advice should be sought before attempting any treatment.

Prevention Strategies for Tinea Nigra

While tinea nigra is not a severe health threat, prevention is always preferable to treatment. How can individuals reduce their risk of contracting this fungal infection?

Here are some effective prevention strategies:

1. Practice frequent handwashing, especially after outdoor activities
2. Wear gloves when gardening or handling soil and compost
3. Avoid walking barefoot outdoors, particularly in tropical regions
4. Wear socks or shoes in public places
5. Change socks frequently, especially if they become damp
6. Keep skin dry and clean, particularly in areas prone to sweating
7. Use antifungal powders or sprays in shoes if you’re prone to excessive sweating

These preventive measures are particularly crucial for individuals living in or traveling to tropical and subtropical regions where Hortaea werneckii is more prevalent.

Long-Term Outlook and Recurrence Risk

What is the prognosis for individuals diagnosed with tinea nigra? Generally, the outlook is excellent. Tinea nigra is a superficial infection that doesn’t penetrate deep into the skin or spread to other parts of the body. With proper treatment, the infection typically resolves completely without leaving scars or permanent discoloration.

The risk of recurrence is relatively low, especially if preventive measures are taken. However, individuals who live in or frequently travel to high-risk areas may be more susceptible to reinfection. In such cases, maintaining good hygiene practices and being vigilant about skin care can help prevent future occurrences.

Follow-up Care

After treatment, it’s advisable to have a follow-up appointment with a healthcare provider to ensure the infection has fully resolved. This is particularly important if:

• The lesion doesn’t improve with treatment
• New patches appear
• There are changes in the appearance of the affected area

Regular skin checks can help catch any potential recurrences early, allowing for prompt treatment and minimizing the risk of spread or complications.

Tinea Nigra in Special Populations

While tinea nigra can affect anyone, certain groups may require special consideration when it comes to diagnosis and treatment. How does the management of tinea nigra differ in these populations?

Children and Adolescents

Tinea nigra is more common in young people under the age of 20. When treating children and adolescents, healthcare providers may opt for topical treatments over oral medications to minimize potential side effects. Education about prevention is particularly important for this age group, especially those living in or traveling to high-risk areas.

Pregnant Women

For pregnant women, the safety of antifungal treatments is a primary concern. Some topical and oral antifungal medications may not be safe during pregnancy. In these cases, healthcare providers will carefully weigh the risks and benefits of treatment options. Non-medicinal approaches, such as keeping the affected area clean and dry, may be recommended until after delivery.

Immunocompromised Individuals

People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, may be more susceptible to fungal infections, including tinea nigra. In these cases, treatment may be more aggressive, and close monitoring is essential to prevent complications or spread of the infection.

Understanding these special considerations ensures that all individuals receive appropriate and safe treatment for tinea nigra, tailored to their specific health needs and circumstances.

Tinea nigra: Diagnosis, treatment, and remedies

Tinea nigra is a very rare fungal infection. It causes brown or black patches to develop on the soles of the feet, the palms of the hand, or, on rare occasions, the torso.

A type of yeast called Hortaea werneckii causes most tinea nigra infections. A person can get the infection when the yeast gets into their body, often through a small wound.

Keep reading to learn more about a tinea nigra infection, including the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Tinea nigra causes brown or black patches to appear on the soles of the feet or the palms of the hand. The patches may be so small and faint that a person does not notice them. They also tend to grow slowly. The most common symptoms include:

• a patch on the foot or hand following an injury
• a single round, linear, or irregularly shaped patch that grows slowly
• growing patches that either cause no symptoms or itch
• patches that resemble a growing mole or freckle
• a slow growing brown patch on the torso

The infection affects people who live in tropical regions and those who have recently traveled to these areas.

Most people with tinea nigra have just one lesion. However, if the fungus comes into contact with multiple points of entry, such as wounds on both hands, a person may have several patches.

In healthy people, tinea nigra lives only on the superficial layers of the skin. It does not spread, cause serious infections, or present major health risks. It is more likely to affect young people under the age of 20 years.

Tinea nigra is a fungal infection, which means that a person gets it when they come into contact with a fungus that can cause the infection.

Scientists used to call Hortaea werneckii either Cladosporium werneckii, Exophiala werneckii, or Phaeoannellomyces werneckii. Another yeast called Stenella araguata may cause some cases of tinea nigra.

As with many other fungi, Hortaea werneckii thrives in moist or humid environments. It lives on dead and decaying organic material, such as soil and wood. It can get into the human body when it comes into contact with the skin, usually through a wound. It is most likely to live on parts of the body with many sweat glands, such as the hands and feet.

Certain risk factors increase a person’s likelihood of developing this infection. They include:

• living in a tropical or subtropical region
• recent travel to a subtropical or tropical region
• a history of hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes excessive sweating
• a recent injury
• contact with wood, soil, or compost, such as from gardening without gloves or woodworking in a tropical or subtropical region

In many cases, a person’s symptoms may lead a doctor to suspect tinea nigra. However, as tinea nigra can resemble the symptoms of several other conditions, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis.

The doctor may ask the individual about their recent travel, injury history, and exposure to wood, compost, or soil. They will also usually take a culture of the skin and send it to a lab to see whether Hortaea werneckii grows within a week. If it does, this means that the test is positive for tinea nigra.

Sometimes, a doctor may also perform a skin biopsy to test for skin cancer, as certain types of skin cancer can look similar to tinea nigra.

People who wish to try home remedies may see improvements with keratolytic agents. A keratolytic is a chemical that helps remove excess skin. Some potentially effective keratolytics include:

• wart cream
• salicylic acid
• Whitfield’s ointment

These drugs may not be safe during pregnancy, so women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should see a doctor instead of trying home remedies.

If home treatment fails, it is best to see a doctor. There are other possible causes of brown lesions on the skin.

Doctors usually prescribe topical antifungal creams to treat tinea nigra. People should apply the cream directly to the patch exactly as a doctor advises.

In some cases, a person may also need to take oral antifungal drugs, especially if the lesions are very large or if antifungal creams have not worked. However, oral drugs may not be effective.

Doctors do not know what treatment duration is optimal, but the authors of one report suggest that 1 month of treatment is sufficient.

People can reduce the risk of tinea nigra infections by protecting the skin from exposure to soil, compost, and other materials in which the Hortaea werneckii fungus likes to grow. Following this advice is especially important for people who travel to or live in tropical regions.

These strategies can help:

• practicing frequent handwashing, especially after spending time outside
• wearing gloves or other protective gear in the garden
• refraining from walking outside with bare feet
• wearing socks or shoes in public places
• changing socks frequently, especially if they get wet
• covering any wounds on the hands or feet before spending time outside

Several other skin conditions may look similar to tinea nigra. Other fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, may also cause skin lesions, but they are not usually brown.

Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, can be deadly. It may also look very similar to tinea nigra in the early stages. Similarly to tinea nigra, melanoma is not typically painful at first. Therefore, people who do not get relief from home or medical treatment should see a dermatologist and request a biopsy.

Some other medical conditions and factors that may cause brown patches include:

• skin staining from henna
• skin hyperpigmentation from pregnancy or Addison’s disease
• complications of syphilis
• exposure to certain chemicals, such as silver nitrate

Tinea nigra is not a serious medical condition. Most people do not notice any symptoms other than brown spots on the skin.

However, as tinea nigra looks similar to several other conditions, it is important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Prompt treatment can prevent serious skin-related conditions from getting worse.

Tinea nigra: Diagnosis, treatment, and remedies

Tinea nigra is a very rare fungal infection. It causes brown or black patches to develop on the soles of the feet, the palms of the hand, or, on rare occasions, the torso.

A type of yeast called Hortaea werneckii causes most tinea nigra infections. A person can get the infection when the yeast gets into their body, often through a small wound.

Keep reading to learn more about a tinea nigra infection, including the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Tinea nigra causes brown or black patches to appear on the soles of the feet or the palms of the hand. The patches may be so small and faint that a person does not notice them. They also tend to grow slowly. The most common symptoms include:

• a patch on the foot or hand following an injury
• a single round, linear, or irregularly shaped patch that grows slowly
• growing patches that either cause no symptoms or itch
• patches that resemble a growing mole or freckle
• a slow growing brown patch on the torso

The infection affects people who live in tropical regions and those who have recently traveled to these areas.

Most people with tinea nigra have just one lesion. However, if the fungus comes into contact with multiple points of entry, such as wounds on both hands, a person may have several patches.

In healthy people, tinea nigra lives only on the superficial layers of the skin. It does not spread, cause serious infections, or present major health risks. It is more likely to affect young people under the age of 20 years.

Tinea nigra is a fungal infection, which means that a person gets it when they come into contact with a fungus that can cause the infection.

Scientists used to call Hortaea werneckii either Cladosporium werneckii, Exophiala werneckii, or Phaeoannellomyces werneckii. Another yeast called Stenella araguata may cause some cases of tinea nigra.

As with many other fungi, Hortaea werneckii thrives in moist or humid environments. It lives on dead and decaying organic material, such as soil and wood. It can get into the human body when it comes into contact with the skin, usually through a wound. It is most likely to live on parts of the body with many sweat glands, such as the hands and feet.

Certain risk factors increase a person’s likelihood of developing this infection. They include:

• living in a tropical or subtropical region
• recent travel to a subtropical or tropical region
• a history of hyperhidrosis, a condition that causes excessive sweating
• a recent injury
• contact with wood, soil, or compost, such as from gardening without gloves or woodworking in a tropical or subtropical region

In many cases, a person’s symptoms may lead a doctor to suspect tinea nigra. However, as tinea nigra can resemble the symptoms of several other conditions, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis.

The doctor may ask the individual about their recent travel, injury history, and exposure to wood, compost, or soil. They will also usually take a culture of the skin and send it to a lab to see whether Hortaea werneckii grows within a week. If it does, this means that the test is positive for tinea nigra.

Sometimes, a doctor may also perform a skin biopsy to test for skin cancer, as certain types of skin cancer can look similar to tinea nigra.

People who wish to try home remedies may see improvements with keratolytic agents. A keratolytic is a chemical that helps remove excess skin. Some potentially effective keratolytics include:

• wart cream
• salicylic acid
• Whitfield’s ointment

These drugs may not be safe during pregnancy, so women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should see a doctor instead of trying home remedies.

If home treatment fails, it is best to see a doctor. There are other possible causes of brown lesions on the skin.

Doctors usually prescribe topical antifungal creams to treat tinea nigra. People should apply the cream directly to the patch exactly as a doctor advises.

In some cases, a person may also need to take oral antifungal drugs, especially if the lesions are very large or if antifungal creams have not worked. However, oral drugs may not be effective.

Doctors do not know what treatment duration is optimal, but the authors of one report suggest that 1 month of treatment is sufficient.

People can reduce the risk of tinea nigra infections by protecting the skin from exposure to soil, compost, and other materials in which the Hortaea werneckii fungus likes to grow. Following this advice is especially important for people who travel to or live in tropical regions.

These strategies can help:

• practicing frequent handwashing, especially after spending time outside
• wearing gloves or other protective gear in the garden
• refraining from walking outside with bare feet
• wearing socks or shoes in public places
• changing socks frequently, especially if they get wet
• covering any wounds on the hands or feet before spending time outside

Several other skin conditions may look similar to tinea nigra. Other fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, may also cause skin lesions, but they are not usually brown.

Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, can be deadly. It may also look very similar to tinea nigra in the early stages. Similarly to tinea nigra, melanoma is not typically painful at first. Therefore, people who do not get relief from home or medical treatment should see a dermatologist and request a biopsy.

Some other medical conditions and factors that may cause brown patches include:

• skin staining from henna
• skin hyperpigmentation from pregnancy or Addison’s disease
• complications of syphilis
• exposure to certain chemicals, such as silver nitrate

Tinea nigra is not a serious medical condition. Most people do not notice any symptoms other than brown spots on the skin.

However, as tinea nigra looks similar to several other conditions, it is important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Prompt treatment can prevent serious skin-related conditions from getting worse.

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Dear patients!
Multidisciplinary Clinic and Maternity Hospital “Paracelsus” informs you, according to the Letter of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation to the Federal Tax Service dated March 25, 2022. N BS-4-11 / 3605, that subparagraph 3 of paragraph 1 of Article 219 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation provides for the taxpayer’s right to receive a social tax deduction in the amount paid by him in the tax period for medical services provided by medical organizations engaged in medical activities , him, his spouse, parents, children (including adopted children) under the age of 18, wards under the age of 18 (in accordance with the list of medical services approved by the Government of the Russian Federation).

Joint order of the Ministry of Taxation of Russia and the Ministry of Health of Russia of July 25, 2001 N 289 / BG-3-04 / 256 (hereinafter – the order of July 25, 2001) approved the form of the Certificate of payment for medical services for submission to the tax authorities of the Russian Federation (hereinafter – the Certificate payment for medical services).

This certificate certifies the fact of receiving a medical service and its payment through the cash desk of a healthcare institution at the expense of the taxpayer.

Thus, if the taxpayer submits to the tax authority a Certificate of payment for medical services, the taxpayer’s failure to submit the relevant contract for the provision of medical services and (or) documents confirming payment cannot be grounds for refusing to provide such a deduction.

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Plantar Wart (Spike): Causes and Treatments

June 21, 2018

Plantar Warts is a type of wart that occurs on the soles of the feet and on the palms of the hands.
Of all skin warts, plantar warts occur in 30%. They are the ones most often removed.

The only cause is the human papillomavirus, HPV for short.

Scheme of infection: people scratched the skin. The virus enters the skin. Embedded in the genes of skin cells. The cell takes on ugly forms, becoming similar to tumor cells.

Caution: Some types of human papillomavirus can cause cervical dysplasia and cancer.
Infection with the type of HPV that causes warts occurs during childhood. Almost all children become infected with this virus – in kindergartens, at schools, in public places. But not everyone gets sick – it all depends on the immune system. In childhood, warts appear for the first time. Then the adult’s immune system copes with this virus. Therefore, in adults, warts on the skin rarely appear. And if an adult has spikes, this indicates a decrease in the activity of the immune system.
Entrance gates for the virus are injuries of the soles of the feet and palms: scratches, cuts, abrasions and calluses. Provoking factors – excessive sweating of the feet and wearing tight shoes, stress.

The main manifestation of is a hard, round mass on the palm or sole of the foot.

Main symptom : Pain when walking and itching around the wart.

Initial stage:

• a small callus appears,
• she itches,
• hurts when walking.

After 2-4 weeks:

• Rough surface appears in the center,
• often – black dots in the center, **
• along the edges – a small roller of keratinized skin.

Why?

• Why do spines appear on the palm and sole? Because the skin here is especially dense (unlike other parts of the body). And this type of HPV virus infects just such skin.
• Why does it hurt when walking? Because the spine grows inward. When walking, the weight of the body presses on the wart and it compresses the pain receptors.
• Why is itching? Because the ugly cells of the plantar wart on the foot and palm press on neighboring skin receptors, which leads to itching.
• Why black dots? This is the result of blockage of blood vessels in the thickness of the wart on the foot or on the palm.

Dimensions – 3 -10 mm. At the same time, they rise above the surface of the skin by only 1-2 mm, because they grow inward and in breadth.
Child warts may appear nearby. They merge with the mother and form a painful conglomerate. This is a clear indicator of a decrease in immunity. And this often requires medical treatment.

Methods of treatment:

In 90% of people, a plantar wart goes away without treatment at an early stage. The immune system suppresses the virus and heals the skin.
The time of self-healing depends on the stage of the process: from 2 weeks to 1.5 years.

When should a thorn be treated?

• if it hurts a lot,
• if it interferes with walking,
• if grown to a large size,
• if children appear nearby.

How and with what to treat warts on the feet?

Removal – a treatment that is successful in 98% of patients

Drug removal

Local necrotizing agents are used for this purpose.
Solcoderm, vartoks, duofilm, kollomak, super celandine and others
They contain acids or alkalis. Removal of plantar warts (thorns) occurs through a chemical burn of the skin. The wart is dying.
And in this place there is an inconspicuous scar.
The treatment time is long: an average of 14-20 days).
The probability of recurrence (reappearance at the same place) is very high.

Instrument removal

• Laser.

Your wart will be vaporized by the laser. In this place you will have a deep wound. The wound will heal in 10-14 days.
Disadvantages of the method: deep wound after removal. Rough scarring.

• Liquid nitrogen.

Deep tissue freezing occurs. A bubble forms. It will hurt a lot and then hurt more!! Heals 14 days.
Disadvantages of the method: Severe pain during removal and after removal. Prolonged healing. Rough scar.

• Radio wave radiation (device “Surgitron”).

The same effect as from the laser – tissue evaporation. And only a deepening-wound will remain from the wart.

Advantages of the method:

Nearby vessels are coagulated, forming a dense crust at the site of the neoplasm, so the removal is performed without damage to the vessels and does not cause even the slightest blood loss.
The crust disappears on its own after 7-10 days. In its place is an inconspicuous scar.

The wart is burned out with an electrocoagulator. This is the same scalpel, only electric. It is now rarely used in large clinics.

Prevention is the foundation of the foundations

• Wearing loose shoes.
• Treatment of excessive sweating of the feet.