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.

CONCLUSION

Mohs micrographic surgery is an effective, tissue-sparing technique for the eradication of phaeohyphomycosis, potentially eliminating the need for costly long-term antifungal therapy.