Mycetoma (Madura Foot): A Case Report of Misdiagnosis and Recovery in a Young Patient

Mycetoma is a chronic infection with a higher incidence in tropical and subtropical nations. We are presenting a rare case of mycetoma in a resident of Sudan, which is a temperate region, along with a short discussion. This case presentation discusses a 13-year-old male with a chronic foot discharge misdiagnosed as an abscess for two years. The condition, characterized by the development of a painless nodule leading to an open wound with purulent discharge, exemplifies the typical progression of actinomycetoma or eumycetoma. Following deep surgical debridement and antifungal therapy with itraconazole, the patient achieved complete recovery without recurrence. Mycetoma is a chronic granulomatous inflammatory process, typically with sinus tract formation secondary to fungal or bacterial pathogens. The most common is the forefoot infection. It is a slowly progressing disease of the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissue that can spread to the underlying bones. This case highlights the need for proper diagnosis and prompt aggressive management in the treatment of mycetoma, especially in endemic areas. Mycetoma needs to be diagnosed early and adequately, as well as aggressively managed to prevent functional as well as aesthetic damage.