RECURRENT BULLOUS ERUPTION OF THE FEET AND HANDS (WEBER-COCKAYNE)

Abstract

My purpose in this paper is to report 2 instances of an unusual hereditary blistering dermatosis of the feet and hands and to call attention to its distinctive features so that differentiation from other common eruptions of the feet may be facilitated. The disease was first described by Weber 1 in 1926, who regarded it as a mild anomalous form of epidermolysis bullosa. Later Cockayne 2 examined its hereditary and familial aspects. Several reports dealing with the syndrome have appeared recently from various centers, 3 indicating that probably it is not as rare as has been supposed. Because the condition has often been diagnosed as dermatophytosis and, indeed, had been so diagnosed for each of my patients at some time in the past, these cases are presented to reemphasize the dermatologic dictumthat not all blistering eruptions on the feet are caused by fungi. I shall also describe an additional atypical