Congenital defect of the skin constitutes one of the rare and interesting anomalies peculiar to the new-born infant. Recently, a striking example of the condition came under our observation, and in view of the vast extent of the skin defect present in this infant, together with the rarity of its occurrence, a report of the case seems desirable.
From the cases recorded in the literature, it is apparent that the lesions most frequently involve the scalp. They do occur, however, on the trunk and extremities, and in these locations the skin defects are often bilateral and also may be fairly symmetrical in their extent on the two sides of the body. The defects are present in early fetal life; thus they undoubtedly originate in utero. The margins of the involved areas are sharply defined and slightly elevated. Microscopic examination shows a failure in development, not only of the epidermis, but