78 An Introduction to Medical Mycology 



organism is necessary to establish the exact diagnosis without equivocation. 



(£) Prognosis.— If the condition is of the kerionic type, there is good 

 prospect of an early cure. If it is caused by T. purpureum or T. violaceum, 

 other sites, such as the nails, are usually involved. The prognosis is to be 

 reserved, depending on the co-operation of the patient and the type of 

 therapy. 



(g) Treatment.— When marked inflammation is present, the appli- 

 cation of mild wet dressings, with use of such remedies as a 1:15 dilution 

 of aluminum acetate (Burow's solution), hypertonic saline solution or 

 solution of boric acid for as long periods as possible will assist drainage 

 and prove soothing. The use of fractional roentgen therapy may be of 

 value. Epilation by means of roentgen rays is seldom necessary or advis- 

 able. One should not use strong topical applications, particularly in the 

 form of ointment. A number of other remedies, such as trichophytin and 

 foreign protein shock, have been advocated but should be used with cau- 

 tion, since there is usually enough inflammation to cause the hair to loosen 

 and cure to take place. 



With infections of the beard caused by T. purpureum or T. violaceum, 

 manual epilation repeated once weekly and the use of a fungicidal oint- 

 ment, such as one containing 10 per cent ammoniated mercury or 0.25 

 per cent anthralin, may prove curative. Wise advocates manual epilation 

 followed by hot dressings of Vleminckx's solution diluted 1:10. Unless 

 attention is also paid to any other cutaneous manifestation, the condition 

 will surely recur. If other foci of infection are present, it is questionable 

 whether epilation of the beard by means of roentgen therapy should be 

 undertaken. With this type of infection the use of trichophytin and foreign 

 protein shock may be tried but will probably be ineffective. 



BIBLIOGRAPHY 



Davidson, A. M., and Dowding, E. S.: Tinea barbae of upper lip, Arch. Dermat. & Syph. 



26:660, 1932. 

 Lawless, T. K.: Tinea sycosis of upper lip, Arch. Dermat. & Syph. 34:118, 1986. 

 Williams, C. M.: Tinea barbae involving upper lip and accompanied by dermatophytid. 



Arch. Dermat. & Syph. 23:213, 1931. 



3. TINEA GLABROSA (CORPORIS) 

 (Ringworm of the Smooth Skin) 



Superficial fungous infection of the smooth skin may occur as a scaly 

 lesion, as a circinate patch, as a solid plaque or in a gyrate configuration. 

 The manifestation may also simulate eczema, or deep granulomatous le- 

 sions may develop; We do not here include the intertriginous forms of 



