Varicella gangrenosa due to group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus

Varicella is usually a well-tolerated disease in normal children. Pyogenic infections involving the skin are the commonest complications and their potential severity is emphasized by our recent experience with two children who suffered from gangrene as a result of cutaneous superinfection with group A beta-hemolytic streptococci. We present the recognition and management of these patients in an effort to reacquaint physicians with this potentially fatal infection.