LITT'S is a chronic disease of the skin, in which dull or livid tubercles are developed, which have a tendency to destroy or seriously to affect the adjacent tissues, with or without ulceration, and commonly ending in indelible cicatrices. It was formerly known as noli me tangere. The disease usually attacks the face, especially the alm of the nose and the lips, but is sometimes met with elsewhere. It is a terrible disease, but is happily of rare occurrence. It derives its name from the Latin word for a wolf, in con sequence of its destructive nature.
Lupus usually commences with the appearance of one or two circular or oval, dull red, sornewhat translucent tubercles, about two lines in diameter. After a time, these tubercles increase in number and size, and take on new characters. They may ulcerate, constituting the variety known as lupus execlens, in which case the ulceration may pursue a superficial or a deep course. Scabs are formed over the ulcers; and, as these scabs are thrown off, the ulcer beneath is found to have increased in extent, till great destruction of the soft parts and (in the case of the nose) of the cartilages is effected. The ulcer of lupus has thick red edges, and exudes a fetid, ichorous matter, in considerable quantity.
When they do not ulcerate, the tubercles are softer than in the previous variety, and form patches of considerable extent, the intervening. skin and cellular tissue also swell ing and exhibiting here and there dull-red points, which are the summits of the imbedded tubercles. The lips become much enlarged, the nostrils closed with the swelling, the. eyelids everted, and the whole face hideous. This variety is known as lupus non exeo'ens.
The progress of lupus is usually slow, and the sufferings of the patient less than might be expected, in consequence of the sensibility of the parts beincr diminished from the first. The complaint may continue for years, or even for life, but't is seldom fatal. Its causes are not well known, but it is thought that a scrofulous habit and intemperance predispose to the disease. Both sexes are liable to it, but it seems most conunon in, women. It is not contagious.
The internal treatment consists in the administration of cod-liver oil and the prepara tious of iodine, especially Donovan's solution, while locally strong escharotics should be applied. The disease, is, however, so serious, that whenever there is a suspicion of its nature, professional aid should be sought.