A case of cutaneous alternariosis treated with fluconazole

Alternaria is a common saprophytic fungus found in the environment such as soil, air, and a variety of objects. The cutaneous infection caused by this fungus occurs more frequent in patients with immunocompromission than in immunocompetent people. We report a case of cutaneous alternariosis in a 63-year-old woman presented with a tender erythematous patch on the right forearm. She was on medication only for hypertension. Histopathologic examination showed a dermal mixed-cell infiltrate including multinucleated giant cells. PAS staining revealed fungal elements in the dermis. Microscopic examination of the colonies showed muriform conidia. A diagnosis of cutaneous infection due to Alternaria species was made on the basis of the above mentioned findings. Oral administration of fluconazole revealed resolution of her cutaneous lesion.