Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

Ask Our Experts

Get answers to your specific medical questions from UM Medical Center experts.

Note: This is for informational purposes only. Doctors cannot provide a diagnosis via e-mail.

 

Related Content

Department of Dermatology

Our Services

Dermatology Health Guide

Our Doctors

Skin lesion of histoplasmosis

Definition:

A histoplasmosis infection, which is caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, can result in skin lesions.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Histoplasmosis is a widespread fungal infection that occurs worldwide. The infection gets into the body through the lungs.

Histoplasma grows in soil. The fungal particles become airborne, and are breathed into the lung. Soil contaminated with bird or bat droppings may have a higher concentration of the fungus.

The skin lesions can be caused by an immune reaction to the lung infection. In this case, lesions called erythema nodosum or erythema multiforme occur.

Skin lesions can also occur when the fungus has spread to distant organs throughout the body, including the skin, bone marrow, and the brain. This is most common among immunosuppressed people, such people with AIDS.

References:

Wheat JL. Histoplasmosis: a review for clinicians from non-endemic areas. Mycoses 2006;49 (4),274-82.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com