The first dermatologist to own a bungalow: Sir Erasmus Wilson

Abstract

Sir Erasmus Wilson (1809-1884) was a towering figure who pioneered dermatology in England. He was also a great advocate of regular bathing and the setting up of public baths. His emphasis on proper hygiene even extended to one's living quarters. In 1869, he became a driving force behind the construction of new bungalows at Westgate-on-Sea, a seaside resort located in Kent, England. Wilson believed that a bungalow was the best sanitary home for a family, and he purchased the first bungalow at Westgate-on-Sea. This contribution tells the story of Wilson's bungalow and how his emphasis on hygiene and a sanitary environment was a reflection of his broad vision of the role of the dermatologist in promoting patients' skin health and overall well-being.