Section : History & Terminology

Papules, pustules, vesicles..where does this come from ?

  • Description of primary and secondary lesions is the ground for modern dermatology and the classification of skin diseases.
  • From 1798 to 1808, different parts of a book called “On cutaneous diseases” was published by the British dermatologist Dr Robert Willan (1757-1812)
    • He also described erythema infectiosum occuring in childhood. The disease is also known as fifth disease or slapped-cheek syndrome
  • To view other old books in dermatology from the 19th century, click here.

Crissey JT el al. Dermatology and Dermatologists (2002). Parthenon Publishing