The Superficial Mycoses 171 



max predispose l<> invasion l>\ micro-organisms. With this disorder there 

 are usually an associated Family or personal history ol other allergic diseases 

 and a discernible allergen to account for the exposure; change ol environ- 

 ment or season should favorably affect the disease it uncomplicated by 



micro-organisms. Contact dermatitis from nail polish, hair lotion or dressing, 

 or other skin sensitizing agents is usually seen in women, is very pruritic 

 and often affects the eyelids. 



(d) Prognosis.— Treatment is usually successful, although recurrence is 

 not uncommon. 



(e) TREATMENT.— The extent of the disease should be ascertained. If it 

 is localized to the external ear and the aural canal (the usual sites), the 

 following treatment may be given. 



1. Irrigate with a warm dilute solution of sodium bicarbonate until all 

 the debris is removed. 



2. Paint the affected area with a I per cent aqueous solution of gentian 

 violet. Other drugs which may be painted on include a 1 per cent aqueous 

 solution of brilliant green, a 1 per cent solution of silver nitrate, 2 per cent 

 salicylic acid in alcohol, 5 per cent phenol in glycerin and 1 per cent thymol 

 in alcohol. 



3. Roentgen rays in fractional dosage are often valuable, administered 

 cither alone or in combination with one of the remedies just mentioned. 



4. Acetvlsalicylic acid, given internally, is useful to relieve the pruritus. 



BIBLIOGRAPHY 



Amstutz, O. C: Otomycosis: Report of case, J. A. M. A. 102:1562, 1934. 

 Cavii.i i.wi. A.: Fungi and fungous diseases, Arch. Dermat. & Syph. 17:93, 1928. 

 Whauen, E. J.: Fungous infections of external ear, I. A. M. A. 111:502, 1938. 



11. LEPOTHRIX (TRICHOMYCOSIS AXILLARIS) 



Tin's is a common silent disorder in which nodes develop on the axillary 

 hair. 



(a) Etiology.— According to Castellani, Actinomyces tenuis is the 

 causal micro-organism. Micrococci may be associated and are said to be 

 responsible for the formation of red or black pigment if present. Huang 

 isolated A. tenuis in 24 of 25 instances of the disorder. 



(b) Clinical characteristics.— The condition is noted in the axillae, 

 where irregular concretions form and attach themselves to the hair. Occa- 

 sionally the pubic hair is affected. The attachment is firm, and the nodes 

 are difficult to dislodge. The entire circumference of the hair is ordinarily 

 involved. The concretion is usually yellowish; red and black varieties are 

 uncommon in New York but are seen with more frequency in the tropics. 



