EXFOLIATIVE DERMATITIS DUE TO NAPHTHALENE: REPORT OF AN ERUPTION RESEMBLING MYCOSIS FUNGOIDES

There is a group of patients, frequently encountered by dermatologists, who have a dermatosis of a protean nature during the evolution of which there is always a phase which resembles mycosis fungoides or dermatitis herpetiformis. The eruption is further characterized by a tendency to clear up rapidly, especially during hospitalization, only to recur with equal rapidity when the patient returns to his usual environment. Sulzberger and Garbe 1 have collected and reported 9 cases of such a condition under the title "Distinctive Exudative Discoid and Lichenoid Chronic Dermatosis." Cannon 2 collected and reported 8 cases under the title "Allergic Dermatitis Simulating Lymphoblastoma." While an allergic basis for the conditions in these cases was surmised by Cannon from the clinical course, Sulzberger and Garbe could not find sufficient evidence to "consider this dermatosis as a representative form of any known atopic manifestation, although it may be some form of sensitization dermatosis."