Histology simulating reticulosis in persistent nodular scabies.

Six patients with persistent nodular scabies are described. Initially the diagnosis was in doubt, and thus a lesion was biopsied in each case. The histology bore a striking resemblance to that of malignant lymphoid neoplasm in five cases. In the absence of a clinical diagnosis it was reported as such by experienced skin histopathologists. In the remaining case an acarus was seen histologically, but the type and extent of the dermal infiltrate suggested a concomitant adverse thug reaction. We feel that these histological appearances may be misleading and that even with accurate clinical details the true diagnosis may be made only on the subsequent progress of the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]