Mycetoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Mycetoma?
An infectious disease doctor, a doctor who treats infections caused by germs such as bacteria and fungi, usually leads care for mycetoma. A surgeon may also be needed to remove infected tissue. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is mycetoma?
Mycetoma is a disease caused by certain bacteria and fungi found in soil, plant matter and water. It is a chronic disease, which means it lasts a long time. It usually affects the foot, but any part of the body can be affected.
Mycetoma caused by bacteria is called actinomycetoma. Mycetoma caused by fungi is called eumycetoma. Both types look the same.
It is most common in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, Latin America and Asia. Mycetoma has rarely been reported in the United States in recent decades.
Symptoms
Mycetoma starts as a firm, painless mass under the skin. The mass usually appears on the foot but can form anywhere on the body.
Over time, the masses grow larger and can develop oozing sores. The affected limb can become deformed or unusable. The fluid from the sores can contain sand-like particles called grains. Grains can be white, yellow, red, brown or black.
Mycetoma is usually painless and slow, so it can take months to years from the first infection until a person gets care.
If it is not treated, or if treatment fails, it can spread to other areas of the body. It can even cause blood infections. Over many years, it can destroy the muscle and bone under the skin. A second infection with bacteria is common. It can cause more pain and disability.
Causes and who gets it
Mycetoma usually starts when broken skin is exposed to soil or water that holds the bacteria or fungi. The germs can enter through a wound or a small skin injury, like a thorn prick. It is not known why only some people get mycetoma.
Mycetoma is linked to walking barefoot and doing manual work. Many people with mycetoma are farmers and livestock herders. It affects people of all ages and is more common in men.
Mycetoma does not spread from person to person.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor takes a small sample of the infected area, called a biopsy. A laboratory then examines it. The doctor can look at the grains from the sores under a microscope to find the cause. Samples can also be taken with a thin needle, which is called fine needle aspiration.
A lab culture can help identify the germ. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, MRI or CT scans, show how far the disease has spread.
Treatment
Treatment depends on whether bacteria or fungi cause the infection. Therapies that work against mycetoma are limited.
Actinomycetoma, the bacterial type, is usually treatable with antibiotics. Surgery is usually not needed.
Eumycetoma, the fungal type, is usually treated with long-term antifungal medicine. This treatment may not be completely effective. Sometimes surgery or amputation is needed to cut away the infected tissue.
The WHO says treatment is lengthy and has many side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions about your medicines.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have a painless lump under the skin that grows larger, or sores that ooze, especially on the foot. Early detection and treatment can reduce disability from mycetoma and may cure the condition. Seeking care early can help you avoid long-term infection and amputation.
A second infection with bacteria can lead to a serious blood infection called septicemia, which can be fatal if not treated. Contact your doctor if the area becomes much more painful.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, fainting, or a sudden change in mental status such as confusion.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can look at a suspicious lump or sore and send you to an infectious disease doctor or surgeon when needed.
Common questions
Is mycetoma contagious?
No. Mycetoma does not spread from person to person.
Can mycetoma be cured?
Sometimes. Early detection and treatment can reduce disability and may cure the condition. For the fungal type, amputations and repeat infections are common.
How do people get mycetoma?
Mycetoma usually starts when bacteria or fungi from soil or water enter the body through broken skin. A thorn prick is one example.
Can mycetoma be prevented?
It is hard to prevent. Wearing shoes might help prevent it.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
