Cutaneous lesions in disseminated candidiasis mimicking ecthyma gangrenosum

Cutaneous nodules are recognized as a manifestation of disseminated candidiasis. We describe skin lesions clinically identical to ecthyma gangrenosum that, on microscopic examination, were due to Candida emboli rather than Pseudomonas sepsis. Thus, the appearance of necrotic pustules and ulcerative plaques in the immunocompromised patient would raise the possibility of Candida as well as Pseudomonas sepsis, and illustrates the diagnostic importance of skin biopsy in such cases.