464 DISEASES OF THE SKIN 



the subject handles copra. Beta-naphthol ointment, 5 per cent, to 

 10 per cent., can be used, but the mite leaves the skin at night time in 



any case. 



CORDYLOBIASIS. 



The invasion of the skin by the larvae of Cordylobia anthropophaga. 



The larval excrement forms the black centre in the small elevated area, 



CRAW-CRAW (Nodular Dermatitis). 



African natives use the above term for most skin eruptions, but it 

 is most likely more truly applicable to a condition of hard papules or 

 papulo-pustules, of various shapes and sizes, often exfoliated at the top, 

 irregularlv distributed over the extremities, more rarely over the whole 

 body, and occurring chiefly in West Africa. Pyogenic infection is 

 common. 



The lymphatic glands draining the area are afifected. Some cases 

 clear up spontaneously, others may last for months and even years. 



The cause is unknown, but some blame a microfilaria. 



TREATMENT. 



The treatment found most useful is to open the papules or pustules,, 

 remove the crusts, scrape the ulcers, scrub them with sublimate 

 solution, dust with boric powder, and cover them with vaseline on lint, 

 leaving the dressing on for one week (Emily). 



Internal medication is not eflficacious. 



Some use a 2 per cent, salicylate lotion, followed by 5 per cent, to 

 10 per cent, naphthol ointment. 



CREEPING DISEASE OR ERUPTION. 



An eruption characterized by a raised red line up to one inch in 

 widtli, which lengthens at the rate of from one to several inches daily 

 in a sinuous or straight line, the commencement of the line fading as 

 the other end progresses. There is much pruritus. 



Larvae of the genus Gastrophilus and other genera have been found 

 in several cases, but in others parasites were absent. 



The disease ma\' last for months or }-ears. 



Treatment is difficult. Some give subcutaneous injections of 

 cocaine and chloi'oform. Treat as for pruritus. 



DERMATITIS BULLOSA PLANTARIS. 



A recurring condition of blebs on the soles of the feet, first described 

 by Cantlie. The blebs form in the wet season and disappear in the 

 dry, the condition recurring annually for ten to twenty years, and 

 sometimes after the patient has returned to Europe. 



The blebs burst, and scaly flakes of skin form over the soles of the 

 feet and between the toes. There is intense itching. 



