Search

Herpes simplex occurring in the absence of acute infections is not a particularly common disease and is often a source of great discomfort to its victims because of frequent recurrences. Almost any location of the body may be affected, chiefly, however, the mucocutaneous junctions, the face, the fingers, the buttocks and the external genitalia. The scalp and the trunk are considered fairly uncommon sites (Schönfeld1). Herpes simplex is most frequently found in young adults and in persons up to the fourth decade in age. The disease has a tendency to recur at the same or closely adjacent sites, often over periods of years. According to Schönfeld,1 simultaneous outbreaks on two different parts of the body are uncommon.Herewith is reported a case of herpes simplex recurring at different sites on the body over a period of twelve years, involving during that time the arms, shoulders, flanks, buttocks, thighs

A Case for Diagnosis. Presented by Dr. Carmen C. Thomas and Dr. Margaret J. Gerlach (by invitation).J. R., a white woman aged 59, somewhat overweight, presents atrophic, slightly brownish mottling on the neck and on the extensor surfaces of the forearms. On the anterior aspect of the abdomen and on the back are scattered circinate and patchy infiltrated lesions, dusky red in color. On the dorsa of the hands there are annular lesions with infiltrated margins. In March 1944 maculopapular brown-red lichenoid lesions developed on the dorsa of the forearms. Some were annular with depressed centers. The eruption spread to the neck and the upper part of the chest. Early in July 1944, dusky red plaques developed on the abdominal wall and the back. These have become larger. The earlier lichenoid lesions disappeared, leaving slight atrophy.Biopsies of the plaques were performed on March 27 and April 24,

Fungous Infection of the Back of the Neck. Presented by Dr. Thomas Butterworth, Reading, Pa.J. H., a white boy aged 15, presents an arciform ridge containing vesicopustules at the edge of a whitish plaquelike scar about 2.5 cm. in diameter on the right nuchal region. A small active papule is situated nearby, where several other whitish plaquelike scars are present. The disease began about September 1939, as a small, nodular lesion on the right nuchal region, like an "infected hair." Tuberculin patch and intradermal tests gave negative results. The Kolmer and Kahn reactions of the blood were negative. Examination of potassium hydroxide preparations of hairs showed many spores and a few hyphae. Culture for fungi showed no growth after thirteen days. The patient has been treated with 12 per cent iodine in hydrous wool fats, equal parts of phenol and camphor, anthralin ointment (0.5 per cent), ointment

Symposium on ocular syphilis, presented by the staff of the clinic for treatment of ocular syphilis of the Wills Hospital: Dr. Joseph V. Klauder, Dr. Marjory K. Hardy, Dr. John F. Wilson and Dr. George P. Meyer.The Psychic Reaction of the Patient to Blindness —a Blind Man with a "Seeing Eye" Dog.N. W., a Negro aged 37 years, has atrophy of the optic nerve as part of neurosyphilis of the tabetic type. When he was first seen in the clinic in 1934, the visual acuity was 2/60. The reactions of the spinal fluid to the usual laboratory tests were positive. The Wassermann and Kahn reactions of the blood were negative. Blindness rapidly ensued. He was unable to work six months after first coming to the clinic. Soon after the onset of blindness he became depressed. On one occasion, when in a depressed state, he held a razor in

A Case for Diagnosis (Dermatitis Herpetiformis? Benign Chronic Pemphigus?). Presented by Dr. John B. Ludy, Philadelphia.B. S., a white girl aged 8½ years, well nourished and mentally bright, presents a symmetric outbreak on various parts of the body, especially where there is friction. Bullae in various stages and of various sizes are present in these locations. Recent lesions are tense and almost globular at times. Eventually they break and crust, leaving reddish persistent stains. The disease had its onset when the patient was 4 years old as blebs at the margin of the left nostril, on the labia majora and the hands, in the axillas and groins and on the neck, feet and legs. It has been present intermittently ever since. Only once have lesions appeared on the mucous membranes. Itching is present but not severe. The child had scarlet fever in November 1942, and since then

Pyogen Allergic Dermatitis. Presented by Dr. John W. Lentz.E. C., a white man aged 53, presents an erythematous, vesicopapular and pustular dermatitis of the face, tending to be follicular. There is also diffuse swelling of the upper lip, with keratitis and conjunctivitis of the left eye. In 1940 there was swelling of the right side of the face with erythema and pustulation. After several months the right eye became involved, and eventually there resulted panophthalmitis necessitating enucleation. Several months ago there was a flare-up of the dermatitis of the face with involvement of the left eye, in which conjunctivitis and keratitis developed. This involvement improved with therapy, but a cure of the condition has not, so far, been obtained.A culture of the pustules produced a hemolytic Staphylococcus-Streptococcus infection. Repeatedly performed blood cell counts, serologic tests of the blood for syphilis, urinalyses and glucose tolerance tests yielded no abnormal