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What is tinea nigra? — Tinea nigra 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. That means it 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
●The skin between the fingers
●The bottom of the foot
The brown or black patches do not usually itch, hurt, or cause any other symptoms.
Should I see a doctor or nurse? — 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 learning about your symptoms and doing an exam, your doctor or nurse might scrape 1 of the brown or black patches. Then, they will look at the scrapings under a microscope. This test does not usually hurt.
If you have tinea nigra, the doctor or nurse will see the fungus that causes it in the scrapings from your skin.
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.
