Mohs micrographic surgery for the eradication of phaeohyphomycosis of the hand

Abstract

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.