Cutaneous Cryptococcus in an Elderly Woman With Chronic Essential Dermatitis

Cryptococcus neoformans is a common cause of life-threatening infection. Cutaneous manifestations of Cryptococcus can be primary or secondary, most commonly from immunosuppression. With the global emergence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), incidence of cryptococcosis is increasing and now represents a major life-threatening fungal infection in these patients. Nonspecific lesions may cause misdiagnosis. Disseminated Cryptococcus requires early clinical diagnosis and effective management to decrease mortality. We review a case of cutaneous Cryptococcus as a complication of chronic essential dermatitis treated with long-term immunosuppressive agents and discuss updated guidelines on the treatment of Cryptococcus.