Tinea nigra is an infection of the skin. It affects the outermost layer of skin. The infection will cause a black or brown patch on the skin. Except for the dark patch, tinea nigra is a harmless condition.
Tinea nigra usually affect the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. It may also appear on the neck or trunk.
Tinea nigra is caused by a fungus. The type of fungus that causes this infection is most often found in rotting wood, soil, compost, or sewage. The fungus may enter your body through a break in your skin.
You are more likely to develop tinea nigra if you have been living or traveling in tropical or subtropical areas, such as:
Tinea nigra causes a brownish-black patch on the skin that:
A tinea nigra patch may be mistaken for a type of skin cancer. Talk to your doctor about any skin growth or changes.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may need to see a skin specialist for tests, diagnosis, and treatment.
Tinea nigra is diagnosed by scraping a small sample of the affected skin. The sample is examined under a microscope.
Tinea nigra is usually treated with an antifungal medication. The medication is placed on the skin as creams or ointments.
To help reduce your chance of tinea nigra:
American Academy of Dermatology
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
Health Canada
The College of Family Physicians of Canada
Gupta AK, Chaudhry M, Elewski B. Tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea nigra, and piedra. Dermatol Clin. 2003;21(3):395-400.
Mandel GL, Bennett JE, et al. (eds). Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier, Inc.; 2005.
Tinea nigra. DermNet New Zealand website. Available at: https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/tinea-nigra. Accessed December 5, 2017.
Last reviewed December 2017 by EBSCO Medical Review Board David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.