The laboratory data for 17 patients with group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis (GAS NF) were compared with data for 145 patients hospitalized for cellulitis during the same period. Admission values of C-reactive protein and creatine kinase were higher for patients in the group with GAS NF than for patients in the group with cellulitis (P<.001), suggesting that standard laboratory tests may be useful for the early differential diagnosis of GAS NF and cellulitis.

Verrucous carcinoma (VC) of the skin is a rare variety of well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) characterized by aggressive local growth and a low metastatic potential. These tumours are known to have histological and virological features similar to classic warts or condylomata. The aim of the present study was to map the proliferative compartment in VC (n = 7) in comparison with warts (n = 10) and typical well-differentiated SCC (n = 10). The proliferating cells were detected by immunostaining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections, using the commercially available anti-PCNA monoclonal antibody PC10. Normal epidermis served as a positive control and reference. In VC and warts, the PCNA-positive cells were principally located at the periphery of lesions, in the basal layer of the tumour islands. In some warts, however, stronger PCNA expressed was noted in the superficial layers, of the lesions corresponding to virus-infected keratinocytes (koilocytotic cells). In contrast, in SCC, PCNA-positive cells were randomly scattered throughout the tumours. Our findings suggest that, on the basis of mapping of PCNA distribution, VC resembles large warts or condylomata rather than typical SCC. Thus, VC appears to be a distinct clinical entity, intermediate between these two types of lesions, not only because of its clinical entity, intermediate between these two types of lesions, not only because of its clinical and virological features, but also with regard to its proliferative organization.

This report describes one case of verrucous carcinoma of the foot containing human papillomavirus type 2 DNA which was detected by the polymerase chain reaction DNA amplification method. Our findings suggest that human papillomavirus type 2, which was classically associated with palmoplantar warts, may also play a role in the pathogenesis of peripheral verrucous carcinoma.

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Numerous descriptions have been applied to rosacea-like eruptions of the face, some of them remaining of questionable nosologic significance. A case of rosacea-like syndrome with lacrimal, ocular and salivary involvement is described. The differential diagnosis and therapeutic response of this unusual association are discussed.