Definition And Description

This affection is due to the development of the trichophyton on portions of the surface that are but poorly supplied with hair, or rather on portions on which the hairs are exceedingly lute and rudimentary, as upon the greater part of the body.

It commence* as a slightly scaly erythematous spot. This erythema sometimes appears to be on a level with the surrounding surface, but in other cases quite an appreciable degree of elevation may be perceived. As the spot enlarges it snows a tendency to heal in the centre, so that in a short time we find a reddened ring circumscribing apparently healthy in-tegument. The ring enlarges indefinitely until it may have attained a diameter of several inches. At last it begins to die out at various points along its periphery, making the ring incomplete, until finally it disappears entirely. In the meantime, however, other rings may arise elsewhere, and exist in any number, and, if contiguous, may coalesce at some point of their circumference and form a figure of eight, or if several rings unite various irregular figures may result.

Diagnosis

As a rule very little difficulty need be experienced in the agnosia of this affection. Occasionally a circinate Psoriasis or a Syph-iiide may present somewhat analogous appearances, and sometimes even an annular erythema. The history of the case, however, will generally suffice to clear up any doubt; and where it does not, appeal may be made to the microscope.

Prognosis

In cases occurring in Europe and America the prognosis is almost always good, the affection being readily curable. In some hot climates, however, it flourishes very luxuriantly and is frequently very ob-stinate.

Treatment

Under ordinary circumstances the treatment of trichophytosis corporis is exceedingly simple, a few applications of the tincture of iodine being usually sufficient to remove it. If the color of the iodine is objected to, applications of bichloride, or of mecurial or sulphur ointment, may be employed instead.