Pellagra (Synonym: Lombardian Leprosy.)

Pellagra (Synonym: Lombardian Leprosy.)

Describe pellagra.

Pellagra is a slow but usually progressive disease occurring chiefly in Italy, due, it is thought, to the continued ingestion of decomposed or fermented maize. It is characterized by cutaneous symptoms, at first upon exposed parts, of an erythematous, desquamative, vesicular and bullous character, and by general constitutional disturbance of a markedly neurotic type. A fatal ending, if the disease is at all severe or advanced, is to be expected.

Treatment is based upon general principles.