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To the Editor:—Any suggestions aimed at the simplification of dermatologic nomenclature or description would be welcome. I am therefore submitting the following suggestions:
When describing a dermatosis as "secondarily infected" or "impetiginized," why not simply insert the prefix "pyo" before the diagnosis? e. g.: pyocontact dermatitis; or pyoseborrheic dermatitis; or pyoeczema.
Also, when there is absorption from the primary site, or autosensitization, one can simply insert the suffix "id." e.g.: contact dermatid; or seborrheic dermatid; or eczematid.
When both secondary infection and absorption phenomena are present, one can simply state: pyocontact dermatid; or pyoseborrheic dermatid; or pyoeczematid.
We are thereby enabled to convey in one word, or simply by the addition of one or two syllables, a definite dermatologic picture.