Diagnosis

The diagnosis of cutaneous cryptococcal infection requires investigation for systemic disease. Biopsies may demonstrate granulomas, which may be absent in the immunocompromised state. Cryptococcal antigen can be measured in blood and body fluids or the organisms demonstrated in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by India ink staining.^[86] Blood cultures should be taken. Peripheral blood eosinophilia is a common but unspecific marker for disseminated cryptococcal infection.^[87]