Patient education: Tinea nigra (The Basics)

What is tinea nigra? — 

This is a skin infection that causes tan, brown, or black patches on the skin. It is caused by a fungus.

Tinea nigra is most common in areas where the weather is hot and humid. People whose hands or feet sweat a lot are more likely to get it. This is because the fungus that causes tinea nigra grows best in warm, wet places.

Tinea nigra is not contagious and does not usually spread from 1 person to another.

What are the symptoms of tinea nigra? — 

The main symptoms are tan, brown, or black patches on the skin (picture 1). They are more common on certain body parts, such as the:

●Palm of the hand

●Skin between the fingers

●Bottom of the foot

The patches do not usually itch, hurt, or cause any other symptoms.

Should I see a doctor or nurse? — 

Yes. Tinea nigra is not dangerous. But a type of skin cancer called "melanoma" can also cause brown or black spots on the skin. If you get a new brown or black spot on your skin, ask your doctor or nurse to check it.

Is there a test for tinea nigra? — 

Yes. After asking about your symptoms and doing an exam, your doctor or nurse might scrape 1 of your patches. Then, they will look at the scrapings under a microscope to see if the fungus that causes tinea nigra is in it. This test does not usually hurt.

How is tinea nigra treated? — 

The doctor or nurse can prescribe an "antifungal" cream to put on your skin. This usually makes tinea nigra go away.

More on this topic

Patient education: Tinea versicolor (The Basics)

Patient education: Melanoma skin cancer (The Basics)