Dermatotropism
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Dermatotropism is the affinity for the skin, a term used to denote the supposed property of a living virus or toxin to cause lesions specifically in the integument. In the 1930s, this concept was famously applied by Levaditi to syphilis, though it faced clinical and experimental contradictions and was largely superseded by theories of host constitution and terrain.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
DERMATOTROPISM, affinity for the skin, a term denoting the supposed property of a living virus or toxin to create lesions specifically in the integument. This term has become especially widespread in recent years with the development of Levaditi's doctrine regarding the existence of two independent syphilitic viruses: 1) dermatotropic, affecting the skin, and 2) neurotropic, affecting the nervous system. This doctrine is insufficiently substantiated experimentally and often contradicts clinical facts, which is why it is being replaced by the doctrine of constitution, or "soil".
Related articles
Cite this page
“Dermatotropism.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/dermatotropism/