HYDROA VACCINIFORME IN THREE ALTERNATE SIBLINGS

Abstract

To the Editor.— Hydroa vacciniforme is a rare recurrent vesicular eruption seen in children. Healed lesions simulate smallpox scars. Three sisters in a family had this genetic disorder, precipitated by sunlight. Eruptions recur all through the year with more frequency and severity in summer. Severe cases are associated with developmental anomalies. Topical application of mepacrine gives good results; the lesions are attenuated. Report of cases.— Three sisters, 16, 12, and 6 years of age, in a family of five children had recurrent vesicular eruptions. The second child, a boy 14 years old, and the fourth child, a girl 9 years old, have so far not shown the lesions or its variants. The lesions first appeared on the nose and its environs. Eye lids and the mucous membrane of the eye, nose, and mouth were spared. The eruptions spread to the upper limbs and then to the lower limbs. The trunk