Mucormycosis – an angioinvasive fungi, is ubiquitously present in the environment. Its infection is uncommon in immunocompetent individuals. The recent past has seen an upsurge of systemic mucormycosis infection, primarily owing to longer survival of critically ill, HIV-infected and immunocompromised patients; uncontrolled diabetes mellitus; and indiscriminate use of systemic antimicrobials. 

Mucormycosis is known since 1885 and was first described by Paltauf. The term “Black fungus” is a misnomer and should not be used to describe mucormycosis by the scientific community as “black fungus” or “dematiaceous fungi” is used for fungi causing phaeohyphomycosis.

Cutaneous involvement is the third most common manifestation of systemic mucormycosis. While primary cutaneous mucormycosis is common in immunocompetent individuals. In fact, about 40-50% of primary cutaneous mucormycosis has been reported in immunocompetent individuals.

Mucormycosis can be diagnosed based on clinical and radiological signs and microbiological or histopathological evidence. For cutaneous and subcutaneous mucormycosis, direct microscopic examination using potassium hydroxide mount or histopathological examination is preferred.

Surgical removal of the infected tissue is essential for successful management of mucormycosis. 

Source: Indian Dermatology Online Journal. 2021 Jul 14;12(4):493-496. doi:10.4103/idoj.idoj_406_21.