2266 



COSMOPOLITAN SKIN DISEASES 



As a preventive, a salicylic alcoholic lotion (i to 2 per cent.) 

 used after the daily bath is advantageous. 



Sycosis coccogenica.- — This is fairly common in both Europeans 

 and natives. In the negroes Fox has often observed the formation 

 of tiny cheloidal tumours after this affection. Depilation and the 

 use of a vaccine is the best method of treatment. We have 

 observed a case of Dermatitis papillaris capillitii (Kaposi). 



Erysipelas. — Ordinary erysipelas due to streptococci, and to be 

 distinguished from the filarial erysipelatoid attacks preceding the 

 development of elephantiasis, is not rare. Ichthyol ointment or 

 lotion (10 per cent.) answers well. 



THE ERYTHEMATA. 



Erythema solare is common in Europeans recently arrived, and in 

 those who live an open-air life, such as planters. It is followed 

 by pigmentation (sunburn, see pp. 82 and 2231). The application 



of calamine lotion, followed by the 

 use of boric vaseline or rose-ointment, 

 is beneficial. 



Erythema intertrigo is very fre- 

 quently observed in corpulent 

 persons. Washing the parts with a 

 potassium permanganate solution 

 (i in 5,000), followed by application 

 of boric-talc or salicylic- talc powder 

 (acid, boric. 3i., talci |i., or ac. salicyl. 

 gr. X., talci §i.), is useful. Persons 

 suffering from intertrigo are very 

 liable to become infected with tinea 

 cruris. 



Erythema nodosum — Erythema 

 multiforme. — These affections are 

 occasionally met with, but much 

 more rarely than in temperate zones. 

 We have seen two cases of the 

 variety of erythema multiforme 

 known as herpes iris. 



Erythema annulatum and Erythe- 

 ma gyratum, in persons suffering 

 from fever, and coming from tropical Africa, should always arouse 

 the suspicion of trypanosomiasis. 



Diffuse Erythema scarlatiniforme and Erythema morbilliforme 

 may be seen in some malarial patients. They may occasionally be 

 caused by quinine, but in most cases are of malarial origin. The 

 diagnosis of erythemata in dark natives is difficult. The medical 

 man of long experience, however, will be able to detect a pecuhar 

 shiny aspect of the skin, with a distinct pinkish tinge. 



Fig. 891. — Herpes Iris. 



