l6l2 



THE FILARIASES 



the swollen lower part of the leg. In these sulci the debris of the 

 cast-oi^ epithelium, together with the excretions of the skin, accu- 

 mulate and give rise to a foul-smelling discharge, and ulcers may 

 form. At first the skin is smooth and soft, forming the smooth 

 variety of the complaint, which may persist, or it may become dark, 

 hard, thick, and rough, being elevated into bosses or warty eleva- 

 tions, forming the verrucose variety. The appendages now atrophy 



Fig. 719. — Elephantiasis of the Legs. 



from malnutrition, the hairs may drop off, and the nails become 

 rough and thickened, while the skin perspires less and the sen- 

 sibility is diminished. Ulcers may now form on almost any part of 

 the foot. The swellir^g is more commonly met with below the knee, 

 but the whole thigh may become implicated. 



If left untreated, the"^ size of the leg gradually increases with 

 repeated attacks of fever, and may reach considerable dimensions. 



