What does blastomycosis look like on skin?
Wart-like (verrucous) and small raised pus-filled (papulopustular) lesions are common. They may be violet colored and have very small abscesses around the borders of the lesions. Nodular lesions may be present under the skin (subcutaneous) and are usually accompanied by active fungal infection of the lungs.
What parts of the body does blastomycosis affect?
Blastomyces enters the body through the lungs and causes a lung infection, usually pneumonia. From the lungs, the fungus can spread to other areas of the body including your skin, bones, joints and central nervous system. This disease is rare and more commonly affects people involved with outdoor activities.
What are the symptoms of blastomycosis in humans?
Symptoms of blastomycosis may include:
- Cough, or cough with blood.
- Fever.
- Shortness of breath.
- Chills and/or night sweats.
- Fatigue.
- Weight loss and poor appetite.
- Joint or bone pain.
- Back or chest pain.
Where does blastomycosis appear on skin?
Cutaneous features of blastomycosis Skin lesions are common on the face, neck and extremities as the infection spreads from the lungs to other parts of the body. One or many lesions may develop. Lesions begin as papules, pustules or as subcutaneous nodules.
Is there a cure for blastomycosis?
Most people will need antifungal treatment for blastomycosis. Most people with blastomycosis will need treatment with prescription antifungal medication. Itraconazole is a type of antifungal medication that is typically used to treat mild to moderate blastomycosis.
How do they test for blastomycosis in humans?
A doctor will likely test for blastomycosis by taking a blood sample or a urine sample and sending it to a laboratory. Healthcare providers may do imaging tests such as chest x-rays or CT scans of your lungs.
Can blastomycosis be in your home?
The organism has been isolated from an inhabited yard and from a house being razed. Conclusions: There appears to be growing evidence that blastomycosis may be acquired at home, and that B. dermatitidis may be relatively persistent on certain properties.
How does blastomycosis cause disease?
Blastomycosis is a pulmonary disease caused by inhaling spores of the dimorphic fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis; occasionally, the fungi spread hematogenously, causing extrapulmonary disease. Symptoms result from pneumonia or from dissemination to multiple organs, most commonly the skin.
What is blastomycosis fungal infection?
Blastomycosis is a fungal infection caused by a fungus called Blastomyces dermatitidis. This fungus is predominantly found in North America while occurring only sporadically in Central America, Africa, India, and Europe. Within the terrestrial borders of North America, certain regions have a preponderance of the fungus,…
Is blastomycosis contagious from dogs to humans?
Yes. Pets, particularly dogs, can get blastomycosis, but it is not contagious between animals and people. 3 The symptoms of blastomycosis in animals are similar to the symptoms in humans. If you are concerned about your pet’s risk of getting blastomycosis or if you think that your pet has blastomycosis, please talk to a veterinarian.