Symptoms:

• Skin lesion of the initial (primary) infection
  • Erythema multiforme (target lesions)
  • Erythema nodosum
  • Papular rash
• Skin lesion of widespread (disseminated) disease: papule, pustule, nodule, or plaque
  • May form abscesses
  • May ulcerate
  • Most often on the face

Signs and tests:

The diagnosis depends on the stage of infection (primary or disseminated). If disseminated disease is suspected, the doctor may do a skin biopsy to look for the fungus in a skin lesion.

Treatment:

This infection is treated with antifungal medications. Oral or intravenous (directly into a vein) drugs will be used, depending on the form and stage of the disease. Antifungal agents used include amphotericin B, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or fluconazole. People with disseminated disease and a suppressed immune system may need long-term treatment.

Expectations (prognosis):

What happens depends on the stage and extent of the infection, as well as the person's immune system. The highest mortality rate is seen in immunosuppressed people with disseminated disease.

Complications:

• Additional skin infections caused by bacteria
• Complications related to medications (such as severe side effects)
• Skin abscess

Calling your health care provider:

There are many types of skin lesions, and they can be hard to tell apart. Notify your medical provider if you develop skin lesions and suspect this condition, because you will need to be tested.