Primary Cutaneous Cryptococcosis Mimicking Herpes Zoster / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

Primary cutaneous cryptococcosis (PCC) is a localized skin infection confined to one body region, without evidence of dissemination. The clinical presentation of PCC is so variable that its diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion. A 52-year-old woman presented with localized grouped erythematous papulovesicles on the left ear lobe for 6 months with wax and wane pattern. However, there were no signs of systemic cryptococcal infection. Histopathological examination showed numerous encapsulated round spores and budding yeasts in the dermis. Culture of aspirate from the wound and tissue samples revealed Cryptococcus neoformans. Herein, we report an interesting case of PCC on the left ear that clinically mimics herpes zoster.