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DISEASES OF THE SKIN 



Perleche. 



A chronic stomatitis usually afifecting the commissures; commonly 

 seen in children. The fissure divides the two patches into equal parts 

 at the commissure. The child frequently licks its lips, hence the term 

 "pour lecher," perleche. 



The condition is probably caused by a streptococcus and is infec- 

 tious. It lasts two to four weeks and then spontaneously clears up. 



Relapse is common. 



Cauterize with copper sulphate and appl_y zinc oxide ointment. 



MYCETOMA (Madura Foot). 



Madura was a district in India where the disease was very 

 prevalent. 



It is an invasion of the hand, but more usually the foot, less fre- 

 quently other parts of the body, by fungi belonging to the following 

 genera : Aspergillus, Sterigmatocystis, Madurella, Indiella, Mono- 



Madura foot. 



sporium, Sporotrichum and Nocardia. These produce enlargement 

 and deformity of the part, the condition being characterized by an oily 

 degeneration and tissue fusion with cyst-like cavities and sinuses. 



The disease is chronic and progressive, terminating in death by 

 exhaustion if not removed surgically. 



It is common in India, Asia, Africa, Europe and America. 



