DYSKERATOID DERMATOSIS

Abstract

The term dyskeratosis as used by the dermatopathologist is defined as a process in which there is an alteration in the life cycle of the epidermal cells. It may be a benign process, as seen in keratosis follicularis (Darier) and molluscum contagiosum, or a malignant one, as seen in Paget's disease or Bowen's disease. The dermatosis herein described is one in which the microscopic picture of the entire epidermis closely resembles that of a dyskeratotic process. For true dyskeratosis to occur, by definition, there must be adequate time for cellular aging and cellular division. However, in the condition described in this paper it has been observed that a somewhat similar microscopic picture may develop within one hour. This condition was described in March 1939 by Pels and Goodman¹as "keratosis follicularis with vesiculation," by Hailey and Hailey²in April as "familial benign chronic pemphigus" and by Ayres and