Tinea nigra plantare

Tinea nigra is a superficial mycosis relatively common in Central and South America and in Asia. Clinically, it consists of an irregular, brownish- black macule occurring on the palms or the soles. The case of a 23-year-old woman who presented with an asymptomatic, brown macule on her sole of 6 months' duration is presented. She had been on holiday in Venezuela 10 months previously. Direct microscopy and culture confirmed the diagnosis of tinea nigra. This fungal infection, caused by Exophiala werneckii, presents problems of clinical differential diagnosis with melanocytic lesions. This disease is unusual in our countries. The incidence of tinea nigra in Europe will probably increase in consideration of the development of journeys to endemic areas.