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Skin Lesion of Coccidioidomycosis
DefinitionSkin lesions of coccidioidomycosis are a manifestation in the skin of a fungal infection caused by Cocciodioides inmitis.
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection most often found in the desert regions of the southwestern US and in Central and South America. It is acquired by inhaling fungal particles from soil in these regions. The portal of entry for this infection is the lung.
Up to one-half of affected individuals have mild or no symptoms. Immunosuppressed individuals, such as people with AIDS or cancer or transplant recipients, are at higher risk of severe, widespread (disseminated) disease.
Skin lesions can occur in the early stages of coccidioidomycosis (during primary lung infection). They include erythema nodosum or erythema multiforme. These rashes usually clear without treatment and are believed to be caused by an immune response to the infection.
After primary infection in the lungs, the fungus itself may spread to other tissues including the skin and lead to various skin lesions including papules, nodules, and ulcers. These lesions contain fungus within them and are a manifestation of disseminated (widespread) fungal disease.
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• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Coccidioidomycosis
• Erythema Multiforme
• Erythema Nodosum
• Immunodeficiency Disorders
• Skin Abscess
Other Topics
• Nodules
• Papule
• Pustules
• Rashes
Review Date : 8/7/2002
Reviewed By : Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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