Cutaneous Mucormycosis

Abstract

Localized, spontaneously healing ulcers due to<i>Rhizopus rhizopodoformis</i>developed under postoperative wound dressings in two orthopedic patients. Clinically and morphologically similar ulcers of unconfirmed cause appeared in two other patients. This rare cutaneous form of mucormycosis, occurring in nondiabetic, nonimmunosuppressed patients, is suspected to have been caused by skin inoculation under contaminated dressing material. A skin biopsy specimen is important for prompt and definitive diagnosis of cutaneous mucormycosis, especially in immunosuppressed patients. (<i>JAMA</i>241:1032-1034, 1979)