Actinomycosis.
Describe actinomycosis.
Actinomycosis of the skin is an affection due to the ray fungus, and characterized by a sluggish, red, nodular, or lumpy infiltration, usually with a tendency to break down and form sinuses. The affection may involve almost any part, but its most common site is about the jaw, neck, and face. As a rule, the first evidence is a hard subcutaneous swelling or infiltration, which may increase slightly or considerably. The overlying skin gradually becomes of a sluggish or dark-red color. Softening ensues, and the diseased area breaks down at one or more points, from which there oozes a discharge of a sero-purulent, purulent, or sanguinolent character. In this discharge can be usually noted minute, friable, yellowish or yellowish-gray bodies representing conglomerate collections of the causative fungus.
The course of the malady is commonly slow and insidious. Unless systemic pyemic infection occurs or the fungus elements find their way to the deeper organs or structures the general health remains apparently undisturbed.
What is the treatment?
The administration of moderate to large doses of potassium iodide, conjointly with curetting or excision of the diseased mass. Local applications of iodine solution can also be tried.