Streptococcic Infection Simulating Ringworm of the Hands and Feet

Prior to the appearance of our paper1on ringworm of the hands and feet, the acrodermatoses were usually diagnosed in this country as eczema or dysidrosis. Subsequently, as a result of that paper and of the innumerable papers that have appeared in the medical and lay press since then, physicians and laymen alike have become so ringworm conscious that practically all dermatoses of the extremities are classed as mycotic. So sure are the medical men of their diagnoses that neither a microscopic examination nor a culture is considered necessary to establish the diagnosis. Widespread areas of dermatitis of external origin are likewise considered to be mycotic and are treated as such, with resultant irritation and continuation of the dermatitis. In 1928 I2called attention to the necessity of differentiation of mycotic from nonmycotic lesions. A series of cases was reported presenting lesions that suggested, in appearance, the epidermophytoses.