Hendersonula toruloidea infection of the nails in Caucasians

Hendersonula toruloidea is a member of the Sphaeropsidales, a subgroup of the Fungi Imperfecti. It has been noted to cause disease similar to foot and nail ringworm in natives of the tropics resident in temperate climates. We report four cases of the disease in Caucasians, presumably acquired during short trips abroad. As travel to the tropics becomes more common, this infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of certain nail dystrophies. Unfortunately, Hendersonula toruloidea does not respond to currently available antifungal agents.