Mohs micrographic surgery for the eradication of phaeohyphomycosis of the hand.
BACKGROUND
Phaeohyphomycosis is a rare mycotic infection that is caused by dematiaceous fungi requiring surgical excision or long-term use of oral antifungal agents for treatment.


OBJECTIVE
To report a case of phaeohyphomycosis of the dorsal hand successfully cleared with Mohs micrographic surgery.


METHODS
We performed Mohs micrographic surgery on phaeohyphomycosis of the dorsal hand. The fungus was cleared in three stages of surgery. Permanent processing and special stains of the final stage confirmed eradication of the infection.


RESULTS
The patient remained free of the phaeohyphomycosis, without complications, at the 6-month follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Mohs micrographic surgery is an effective, tissue-sparing technique for the eradication of phaeohyphomycosis, potentially eliminating the need for costly long-term antifungal therapy.
Bogle
Melissa A
MA
Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
Rabkin
Michael S
MS
Joseph
Aaron K
AK
D000368:Aged; D003881:Dermatomycoses / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D015580:Mohs Surgery