Light micrograph of the fungus Phialophora verrucosa. The small circles are spores, the reproductive units of P. verrucosa. This is one of several species which can cause the condition chromoblastomycosis. Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic fungal infection affecting the skin, and can occur when fungal species such as P. verrucosa enter the body, typically through a wound. Symptoms generally include localised, itchy, raised skin lesions which grow very slowly over years and are wart-like in appearance. Though this condition can self-resolve, treatment is generally required and can involve antifungal medication, cryotherapy or surgical removal of the affected skin.