Tinea Nigra Causes & Risks

Causes

Tinea nigra is caused by a fungus called Hortaea werneckii that lives in rotting wood, soil, compost, or sewage. You may contract the fungus if you are around any of these materials and you suffer an injury that involves a break in the skin.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Individuals more likely to develop tinea nigra are:

• Children
• Young adults
• Females
• Living or traveling in tropical or subtropical areas, such as:
  • South Africa
  • Brazil
  • Panama
  • Cuba
  • Puerto Rico
  • Coastal areas along the Southeastern seaboard of the United States