474 DISEASES OE THE SKIN 



KAPOSI'S DISEASE (Xerodermia pigmentosum). 



A rare formation of numerous tumours, running a malignant course, 

 and ultimately causing death by exhaustion. 



The condition commences as "freckles," which develops into a 

 warty condition, and later into ulcerating fungoid masses, destroying 

 all approximate tissue. The tumours are epitheliomatous in structure, 

 but there are no secondaries. 



The disease commences early in life as a rule, and requires years for 

 its development. 



Avoid the sun's rays. Excise patches and tumours. Try X-ra}S 

 and electrotherapy. 



KERATOMA PLANTARE SULCATUM. 



A thickening of the epidermis of the heels and soles with deep 

 furrows, at the base of which a whitish fungus can be found. 



Walking is often painful. 



The only known efificacious remedies are preparations of salicylic 

 ointment, plaster and collodion. 



LEUCODERMA. 



A patchy, non-pigmented, white or pinkish condition of the skin ; 

 chronic and incurable; found in coloured races. The patches are 

 irregularly shaped and distributed; local or universal, but without any 

 modification of the skin functions. The condition is chieflv of nervous 

 origin, but occasionally fungi, burns, or injuries mark its onset. The 

 hair over the patches is whitish. 



Exposure to the sun causes a burning sensation over such areas, 

 and patients often complain of weakness or giddiness, making them 

 unfit for any tropical outdoor work. 



Some have found arsenical preparations useful. 



The patches ma\' be darkened by silver nitrate, potassium perman- 

 ganate, or tattooing. 



LICHEN CONVEX. 



A chronic, pruriginous, papular, non-inflammatory eruption, 

 pinkish in natives and reddish in Europeans, leaving no excess of 

 pigmentation on healing. The disease lasts three to nine months and 

 may recur. 



There is no scaling, and the convex papules never show "plugs." 

 There may be spontaneous healing. The general health is not 

 affected. 



Internal remedies have no effect. 



Externally use a salicylic-alcoholic lotion, 2 per cent., followed by 

 naphthol ointment, 5 per cent. 



