Fungus – Keloidal Blastomycosis (Lobomycosis)

Keloidal Blastomycosis is a “deep fungus” infection that I rarely encounter in my The Woodlands and Conroe dermatology offices.  Keloidal Blastomycosis is caused by the fungus Loboa loboi.  The skin lesions appear like keloidal nodules and the ear is the most common area affected on the body.  It is most commonly acquired from marine environments especially contact with dolphins.  Diagnosis is made by skin biopsy and there is a characteristic appearance of the fungal spores which line up like “chains of lemons.”  Treatment is either surgical excision if small enough or one year of Itraconazole daily.