Overview
The World Health Organization (WHO) considers three fungal skin infections neglected tropical diseases (NTDs): chromoblastomycosis, mycetoma, and sporotrichosis. All three fungal NTDs are caused by fungi in the environment getting into a cut or scrape in the skin. While each is different, they all cause chronic skin infections.
The fungi that cause these infections are most common in subtropical and tropical parts of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Fungal NTDs mostly affect people living in socially and economically marginalized communities who often lack access to healthcare and treatment. Left untreated, chromoblastomycosis, mycetoma, and sporotrichosis can cause severe disability and lead to stigma.
Fungal Skin Infections
Untreated chromoblastomycosis, a fungal infection, can cause limb swelling and difficulty walking.
Mycetoma is a disease caused by certain types of bacteria and fungi found in soil and water.
Sporotrichosis typically causes severe skin infections but can affect other parts of the body.