Eumycetoma, also known as fungal mycetoma, is a chronic infectious disease that primarily affects the skin and subcutaneous tissues. It is characterized by the formation of localized, painless, and slowly progressive nodules or tumors, which contain a mixture of fungal hyphae, grains, and inflammatory cells.
Synonyms
Eumycetoma is commonly referred to by several synonyms, including:
Eumycetoma is predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in Africa, India, and South America. It is caused by various fungi, with the most common causative agents being Madurella mycetomatis and Pseudallescheria boydii. The disease usually enters the body through a traumatic inoculation, such as a thorn prick or a splinter, and progresses slowly over months to years.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications and disability. The management of eumycetoma typically involves a combination of antifungal medications, surgical debridement, and supportive care. However, complete cure is often challenging due to the chronic nature of the disease and the difficulty in eradicating the fungal infection.