Epidermolysis bullosa, sometimes described as acantholysis bullosa, a somewhat rare dermatosis, is of considerable interest. This hereditary disease is uncommon in civilian practice. In military life, especially with the careful selection of members of the armed forces, it is most rare. Recently, 4 soldiers were admitted to Lawson General Hospital, Atlanta, Ga., complaining of this rare dermatosis. Two of these had the hereditary type and 1 the acquired type. The fourth had a rare hereditary type with the bullae limited to the feet. Cockayne1 described this type in the British Journal of Dermatology in 1938. No case of this type has previously appeared in the American literature.
REPORT OF CASES
Case 1.—
S. J., an unmarried American aged 24, was seen in July 1942. According to his history, his grandfather and father suffered from the same defect. His 2 brothers were not afflicted. Three of his 6 sisters had