How would you distinguish sycosis from eczema?
Eczema is rarely sharply limited to the bearded region, but is apt to involve other parts of the face; moreover, the lesions are usually confluent, and there is either an oozing, red crusted surface, or it is dry and scaly.
How would you exclude tinea sycosis in the diagnosis?
In tinea sycosis, or ringworm sycosis, the history of the case is different. The parts are distinctly lumpy and nodular; the hairs are soon involved and become dry, brittle, loose, and fall out, or they may be readily extracted. The superficial type of ringworm sycosis is readily distinguished by the ring-like character of the patches. In doubtful cases, microscopic examination of the hairs may be resorted to.
Give the prognosis of sycosis.
The disease is curable, but almost invariably obstinate and rebellious to treatment. The duration, extent, and character of the inflammatory process must all be considered. An expression of an opinion as to the length of time required for a cure should always be guarded.
Ulerythema sycosiforme is extremely obstinate. Folliculitis decalvans is also rebellious.
How is sycosis to be treated?
Mainly, and often exclusively, by external applications.
Fig. 27.