Part 93

Yes. Although its favorite habitat is the region of the pubes, it may, in exceptional instances, also infest the axillæ, the sternal region of the male, the beard, eyebrows, and even the eyelashes.

#State the diagnostic characters of pediculosis pubis.#

The region involved, itching, variable amount of irritation, and, above all, the presence of the pediculi and their ova.

#Name several applications prescribed for pediculosis pubis.#

A lotion of corrosive sublimate, one to four grains to the ounce; infusion of tobacco; a ten to twenty per cent. ointment of oleate of mercury; ammoniated mercury ointment, and a five to ten per cent. -naphthol ointment. Repeated washings with vinegar or dilute acetic acid, or with alkaline lotions, will free the hairs of the ova.

#Cysticercus Cellulosæ.#

#Describe the cutaneous disturbance produced by the cysticercus cellulosæ.#

The presence of cysticerci in the skin and subcutaneous tissue gives rise to pea to hazelnut-sized, rounded, firm, movable tumors which, when developed, may remain unchanged for months. The parasites are disclosed by microscopic examination.

Most of the cases have been observed in Germany.

#Filaria Medinensis.# (Synonym: Guinea-worm.)

#State the character of the lesions produced by the filaria medinensis.#

The young microscopic worm penetrates the skin or deeper tissue, where it grows gradually, finally reaching several inches or more in length and about a half-line in thickness; inflammation is excited and a tumor-like swelling makes its appearance, which, sooner or later, breaks, disclosing the worm. It may also present a cord-like appearance. It is rarely met with outside of tropical countries.

Treatment consists in gradual extraction, or in the injection of a corrosive sublimate solution (1:1000) into the forming tumor. Asafetida internally has been found to be curative, the parasite being destroyed and subsequently absorbed or discharged.

#Ixodes.# (Synonym: Wood-tick.)

#State the character of the cutaneous disturbance produced by the ixodes.#

The tick sticks its proboscis into the skin and sucks blood until it is several times its natural size, and then falls off; an urticarial lesion results. If caught in the act the animal should not be forcibly extracted, as its proboscis may be thus broken off and remain in the skin, and give rise to pain and inflammation. It may be made to relinquish its hold by placing on it a drop of an essential oil.

A thymol or carbolized boric-acid lotion will relieve the irritation.

#Leptus.# (Synonym: Harvest-mite.)

#State the characters of the lesion produced by the leptus.#

This minute brick-red mite buries itself in the skin, especially about the ankles and feet, giving rise to papules, vesicles and pustules.

Treatment consists of the use of a mild sulphur ointment or of a carbolic-acid lotion.

#strus.# (Synonym: Gad, or Bot-fly.)

#Describe the cutaneous disturbance produced by the strus.#

The ova are deposited in the skin, develop and give rise to the formation of furuncle-like tumors with central aperture, through which a sanious discharge exudes; or as the result of the burrowing of the larvæ, irregular serpiginous lines or wheals are produced.

It is chiefly met with in Central and South America.

Larva migrant, or creeping disease, is doubtless in this same class. It is characterized by a thread-like linear formation of an erythematous, erythemato-papular, or vesicular nature that gradually extends, the older part disappearing; considerable surface may be covered before the parasite disappears or dies. The treatment consists in endeavoring to destroy the organism by means of excision or caustic applications at the point of its suspected site which is just ahead of the extending line.

#Pulex Penetrans.# (Synonyms: Sand Flea; Jigger.)

#Describe the cutaneous disturbance produced by the pulex penetrans.#