Skin lesion of blastomycosis

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Fungus

This infection is treated with antifungal drugs such as amphotericin B, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or fluconazole. Either oral or intravenous (directly in the vein) drugs are used, depending on the form and stage of the disease.

What happens depends on the form of blastomycosis and the individual's immune system. In immunosuppressed individuals, long-term treatment may be required to prevent symptoms from coming back.

• Abscesses (pockets of pus)
• Additional (secondary) skin infection caused by bacteria
• Complications related to medications (for instance, amphotericin B can have severely unpleasant side effects)
• Spontaneously draining nodules

Some of the skin problems caused by blastomycosis can be similar to skin problems caused by other illnesses. Tell your doctor if you develop any worrisome skin problems.

Review Date: 09/15/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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