a cutaneous disease which first appears as blebs or as reddish, shining, slightly prominent spots, with spreading edges. these are often followed by an eruption of dark or yellowish prominent nodules, frequently producing great deformity. in one variety of the disease, anaesthesia of the skin is a prominent symptom. in addition there may be wasting of the muscles, falling out of the hair and nails, and distortion of the hands and feet with destruction of the bones and joints. it is incurable, and is probably contagious.