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Mould nail infections

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

  • mould infections can occasionally infect the skin and nails and cause indolent infections in healthy or immune compromised individuals, especially the elderly
  • mould infections originate from soil; organisms include:
    • common - Fusarium spp, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis
    • uncommon - Aspergillus spp, Acremonium spp, Scytalidium dimidiatum, Scytalidium hyalinum
  • mould infections can result in a fungal skin infection that appears identical to tinea pedis - infection can be mild or severe
    • Scopulariopsis brevicaulis and Scytalidinum dimidiatum are the most likely moulds to present as skin infection
  • mould infections of the finger and toenails can be indistinguishable from other types of onychomycosis
    • note that, unlike dermatophyte infections, moulds frequently result in paronychia (inflamed nail folds). One or more toenails may be infected, or the mould may simply be a contaminant. The surrounding skin is often dry and may itch. The appearance of the nail may include:
      • brownish, dull discolouration of the nail, which starts at one edge
      • pitted and streaked nail plate
      • complete nail destruction.

Diagnosis:

  • mould infections are diagnosed by microscopy and culture of skin scrapings and/or nail clippings

Treatment:

  • see menu item

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