The dermatologist's role in managing skin and soft tissue infections.

Dermatologists are often the first point of care for patients with skin and soft tissue bacterial infections. First, physical examination and patient history are central points of assessment to determine severity of infection, pathogen involved, and appropriate course of action. As preexisting conditions may exert a role both in the etiology of an infection and in the choice of antibiotic therapy prescribed, the clinician must be aware of the right questions to ask to achieve a complete diagnostic picture.

Bilateral tinea nigra plantaris and tinea nigra plantaris mimicking melanoma.

Tinea nigra, a superficial fungal infection caused by Phaeoannellomyces werneckii, presents as a hyperpigmented, nonscaling macule of variable size and shape. Typically lacking induration, erythema, or pruritus, these "ink spot" lesions may resemble junctional nevi or malignant melanoma. Rapid, noninvasive diagnosis can be provided by potassium hydroxide examination, demonstrating numerous large, dematiaceous hyphae.

Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita: clinicopathologic characteristics and differential diagnosis.

Cutis marmorata telangiectatica congenita is an uncommon cutaneous vascular disorder characterized by persistent cutis marmorata, telangiectases, and phlebectases. In addition to atrophic and/or ulcerated lesions, other vascular conditions may be observed. Cutis marmorata telangiectasia congenita usually occurs sporadically, typically is present at birth, and predominantly affects girls.