A case of fungal melanonychia in an immunocompetent individual due to dematiaceous fungi

• Author Details:   
• Jyoti Sharma ^*
• Manjula Mehta
• Sonia Bhonchal Bhardwaj
• Sukhwinder Singh

---

Dematiaceous fungi, often found in soil and organic debris from both animals and plants, are known to cause cutaneous and subcutaneous infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Although typically saprophytic and considered laboratory contaminants, these fungi can also infect healthy individuals.
Fungal melanonychia, an uncommon manifestation of onychomycosis. We present here a case of fungal melanonychia in a 43-year-old healthy woman with no prior nail trauma, presenting with toenail discoloration. The fungus was identified through direct microscopy and fungal culture. The patient showed clinical improvement following pulsed itraconazole therapy.

Keywords: Melanonychia, Onychomycosis, Dematiaceous fungi