(Synonyms: Recurrent Summer Eruption; Hydroa Puerorum; Hydroa Aestivale.)

Describe hydroa vacciniforme.

It is a rare vesicular disease usually seen in boys (only two or three exceptions), occurring upon uncovered parts, especially the nose, cheeks, and ears. The lesions begin as red spots, discrete or in groups, rapidly exhibit vesiculation, and later umbilication; the contents become milky, dry to crusts, which fall off and leave small pit-like scars. Fresh outbreaks may take place almost continuously, and the process go on indefinitely, at least up to youth or manhood, when the tendency subsides. Its activity is usually limited to the warm season. Arthritic symptoms and general disturbance are sometimes noted in severe cases.

It is doubtless a vasomotor neurosis. Exposure to sun and wind is an important, if not essential, etiological factor. Primarily the lesion begins in the rete middle layers, and is purely vesicular in character; later, necrosis of the rete and extending deep in the corium is observed.

Treatment so far has only been palliative, consisting of the applications employed in similar conditions. Constitutional medication is based upon general principles. The patient should avoid exposure to the sun, strong wind and excessive artificial heat.