The initial lesion is a small swelling under the skin following minor trauma which breaches the skin. It appears as a painless wet nodule, which may be present for years before … See more

Eumycetoma is a type of mycetoma caused by fungi, distinct from mycetoma caused by bacteria from the phylum Actinomycetes; both have similar … See more

Diagnosis is by biopsy, visualising the fungi under the microscope and culture, which show characteristic fungal filaments and vesicles … See more

Surgery combined with itraconazole may be given for up to year when the grains are black. Posaconazole is another option. Voriconazole can be used for infections caused by … See more

The disease is acquired by entry of the fungal spores from the soil through a breach in the skin produced by minor trauma like a thorn prick. The disease then spreads to deeper … See more

No vaccine is available. Simple hygienic precautions like wearing shoes or sandals while working in fields, and washing hands and feet at regular intervals may help prevent the disease. See more

The disease is more common in males aged 20–40 years who work as labourers, farmers and herders, and in travellers to tropical regions, where the condition is endemic. See more