[Chronic inflammatory diseases of the skin / Extracted from his "Commentaries on Diseases of the Skin."].

  • Thomson, Anthony Todd, 1778-1849
Date:
[1839-1840]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: [Chronic inflammatory diseases of the skin / Extracted from his "Commentaries on Diseases of the Skin."]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    from the scales, and assume a dull reddish hue, rendered more striking by the scales which still remain on the margins form¬ ing whitish, irregular crescents (PI. 1, fig. 2). This species of Psoriasis generally attacks adults; but neither childhood nor infancy is exempt from it. When it appears during dentition, the disease is aggravated: it is ac¬ companied with inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nostrils; and the patches often pass into sores, and form scabby incrustations ; or it displays an admixture of smooth, shining, red elevations, with the scaly patches, which, in the clefts of the nates and other parts in fat children, exude moisture. Dr. Willan* regarded this a distinct species, and named it Psoriasis infantilis ; but there is no reason for re¬ garding it otherwise than as P. diffusa, modified by infancy and the irritation of dentition. Dr. Underwood says—■“ These (the sores) die away, and the like appear successively in other parts, sometimes for two or three months, leaving the skin of a dirty or dusky huef. He had observed it attack the suck¬ ling mother or nurse, and apparently spread to other children who slept with the nurse or child ; he therefore adds, “ I have now no doubt of its being contagious in that way, though not by a more distant intercourse.” The disease is certainly not contagious in adults. Psoriasis diffusa is, occasionally, a severe disease; and, when of long continuance, the diseased condition of the mucous membrane, and the itching and unremitting irritation, wear down the powers of the habit; and, in a few instances, it has terminated fatally. In general, however, it yields to the influence of remedies ; but it is apt to recur in spring or in autumn, or during deranged states of the digestive organs from irregularities ol diet. The other forms of this species of Psoriasis are regarded as varieties, on account—either of some difference in the physical appearance of the eruptionor on its being stationary and confined to certain parts or particular organs of the body or to some connection between the disease and the occupation of the patient. * On Cutaneous Diseases, vol.i. p. 170. f Treatise on Diseases of Children, 4th edit. vol. i. p. 97. F 2