Tinea nigra palmaris is a fungal disease of asymptomatic nature. It is characterized by dry scales on dark brown patches on the palm.
Caused by The fungus
Exophiala Wernecke also called Cladosporium Wernecke.
Its lesions are not restricted to the palms, as they also appear on the soles of the feet.
Just like Tinea Versicolor, it is none inflammatory and asymptomatic, hence patients only seek medical help for aesthetic (beauty) reasons.
Demographic factors
Women are predisposed to this infection more than men and it occurs more often to people living in the tropical regions of the earth. However some cases have been reported from the USA and some other countries in the temperate regions.
Laboratory diagnosis
Its same as Tinea Versicolor.
Diagnosis is established via microscopy and culture.
The specimen is collected by careful bloodless scraping from the site of infection, into a kraft paper.
Subsequently, it is subject to alkaline digestion using 10%KOH
Then microscopy follows.
If fungal origin is established, culture on a Sabouroud dextrose agar follows.
After 3weeks if incubation at room temperature, the growth is examined and a specific diagnosis is made!
Treatment
is with Oral ketoconazole or Topical Meconazole.