Cutaneous nocardiosis. Case reports and review.

Two cases of cutaneous nocardial infection are reported. The Nocardia species are gram-positive, partially acid-fast bacteria. Cutaneous involvement may develop as one of four types: (1) mycetoma, (2) lymphocutaneous (sporotrichoid) infection, (3) superficial skin infection, or (4) systemic disease with cutaneous involvement. A review of each of these types of infection is included, as well as potential clues that may suggest the diagnosis of nocardiosis.