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Living with Chromomycosis

A long-lasting fungal skin infection that causes raised, crusty bumps, often on the arms or legs.

Understanding Chromomycosis

Chromomycosis is a chronic fungal infection with raised and crusted lesions that affect the skin and the tissue under it.

It most often occurs on the limbs but can affect any area. Several fungi found in soil, wood, and decaying plants cause it. They usually enter the skin through a minor injury such as a splinter. It is most common in tropical and subtropical climates.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Raised, crusty skin lesions
  • Warty bumps (verrucous papules)
  • Firm lumps under the skin
  • Red patches or plaques
  • Itching
  • Swelling of the legs from lymph fluid (lymphedema)

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Which fungus is causing my infection, and how was it confirmed?
What follow-up will show whether the infection is clearing?
How can I lower the chance of getting it again?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startany time in life

Several fungi found in soil, wood, and decaying plant material cause chromomycosis. They usually enter the skin through a small injury, such as a splinter.

Infectious

Also known as: chromoblastomycosis; mossy foot disease

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · ChromomycosisGARD ID 1319 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Chromomycosis.

Explore the Chromomycosis blog

Explore research for Chromomycosis

Explore actively recruiting Chromomycosis studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Chromomycosis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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