B46: Zygomycosis

B46.3: Cutaneous mucormycosis

The illness is caused by fungi. The fungi occur almost everywhere in the environment. Fungi produce resistant spores in order to propagate. Drafts can spread the spores around the environment. The fungal spores can get into the skin via a wound.

If we come into contact with fungi in this way, our immune system will usually destroy them. However, the fungi can sometimes spread through our body. This can happen when the immune system is weak, for example. The defense system can be weakened by certain illnesses or medicines.

The skin tissue can die off if it is infected by the fungi. The skin tissue can then turn black. The infection can spread and also infect muscles and bones. You may be seriously ill.