← Back to guidelines Diagnosis is typically made by direct microscopic examination of clinical specimens (e.g., skin biopsy, aspirate) with India ink staining to visualize encapsulated yeast forms 1.
Fungal culture from skin lesions or other relevant sites is essential for species identification and antifungal susceptibility testing 1.
Histopathological examination of skin biopsies can reveal characteristic granulomatous inflammation and yeast cells 1. Treatment depends on the extent of disease and the patient's immune status. For localized cutaneous disease in immunocompetent hosts, oral fluconazole may be considered 1.
For disseminated disease or in immunocompromised patients, combination therapy with amphotericin B (often deoxycholate or lipid formulations) followed by a step-down to fluconazole or other azoles is typically recommended 1.
Surgical excision of localized lesions may be considered in select cases 1. Patients with underlying conditions such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are at increased risk for severe or disseminated cutaneous cryptococcosis 1. Diagnosis of cutaneous cryptococcosis should be confirmed by direct microscopy and fungal culture of skin lesions 1. (Evidence: Moderate)
Disseminated cryptococcosis, including cutaneous involvement, in immunocompromised patients typically requires treatment with amphotericin B followed by an azole 1. (Evidence: Moderate)
Consider surgical excision for localized cutaneous lesions, especially in immunocompetent individuals 1. (Evidence: Expert opinion)
Oncology7 papers
Cutaneous cryptococcosis
Last edited: 4/10/2026
Original source
- [1]