How to Say It: Tee-nee-uh Ni-gra
by Amy Scholten, MPH
Tinea nigra is an infection of the outer layer of skin. A black or brown patch forms on the skin. It often affects the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It may also appear on the neck or trunk. Tinea nigra is a harmless condition.
Tinea nigra is caused by a fungus. The fungus is found in rotting wood, soil, compost, or sewage. The fungus may enter the body through a break in the skin.
Tinea nigra is most common in subtropical and tropical areas. The risk is highest in those who live or travel to areas such as:
Symptoms of tinea nigra are a brownish-black patch on the skin that:
It may be mistaken for a type of skin cancer.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. You may see a skin doctor.
A small sample of the affected skin will be scraped and tested. This will confirm the diagnosis.
Tinea nigra is usually treated with antifungal skin creams.
To reduce the risk of tinea nigra:
American Academy of Dermatology
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
The College of Family Physicians of Canada
Lima Dantas M, Serrão Fensterseifer G, et al. Entodermoscopy in the diagnosis of tinea nigra: two case reports. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2020
Mandel GL, Bennett JE, et al. (eds). Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier, Inc.; 2005.
Melanoma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/melanoma. Accessed April 2, 2021.
Tinea nigra. DermNet New Zealand website. Available at: https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/tinea-nigra. Accessed April 2, 2021.
Last reviewed December 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Last Updated: 4/2/2021
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