THE MUCOUS MEMBRANE 477 



There is often a previous catarrh of tlie mouth and pharynx. 

 Silver nitrate caustics, potassium chlorate gargle, and potassium 

 iodide internally are most successful. 



Fordyce's Disease. 



Small whitish bodies affecting the lips and mouth, accompanied 

 by a feeling of stift'ness. The condition tends to become permanent. 

 Treatment is discouraging. Caustics and scraping may be tried. 



Glossitis Areata Exfoliativa. 



Small, greyish, well-defined, slightly elevated spots near the tip of 

 the tongue, desquamation in the centre and spreading at the periphery, 

 sometimes forming circles or festoons suggesting the " langue 

 geographique." 



It usually occurs in children, and is frequently confined to families. 

 Its origin is unknown. 



Treatment is disappointing. 



Grooved Tongue. 



Single or multiple grooves on the dorsum of the tongue in which 

 food particles accumulate requiring the constant use of a mild anti- 

 septic mouthwash. 



The condition is often congenital and confined to families. 



Treatment is useless. 



Ichthyosis Glossse. 



A condition of leucokeratosis of the tongue resembling tylosis 

 (keratosis of the palms and soles). 



Kraurosis Vulvae. 



Atrophy of the vulv^, with stenosis of the orifice occurring: — 

 (i) After the menopause, 



(2) As a sequel of oophorectomy, 



(3) In sterile young women (rare). 

 Treatment is surgical when necessary. 



Leucoplakia of the Tongue. 



It may be Syphilitic, Parasyphilitic, or Idiopathic. 

 Predisposing factors are : clay-pipes, tobacco-smoke, bad dentures, 

 ragged tooth stumps. 



The ulcerating fissures may become the seat of epithelioma. 

 Always exclude syphilis. Caustics make the condition worse. 

 Hot fluids and spices are to be avoided. 

 Radium can be tried. Excision may be necessary. 

 Leucoplakia may also affect the penis, vulva and vagina. 

 Use X-rays, radium and excision where necessary. 



