[On the biologic phenomenon of epidermotropism (author's transl)].

The biologic phenomenon of epidermotropism is mirrored in the dynamic equilibrium between different cell types within the epidermis. In various pathological conditions, this balance may be upset, or foreign epithelial, neuroectodermal and mesenchymal tissue may selectively infiltrate epidermal or other epithelial structures. The importance of the concept of epidermal symbiosis in these conditions and resulting similarities in the clinical picture and biologic behavior are pointed out.