Glossy Skin
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
Glossy skin is a trophic disorder of the skin of the lower extremities, particularly the fingers. It begins with slightly thickened, smooth, shiny, tense, bluish-red skin that later becomes pale, waxy, thinned, and atrophied, often accompanied by neuralgia.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
GLOSSY SKIN (dermatitis essentialis neurotica, liodermia essentialis, atrophoderma neuroticum, peau lisse, лоснящаяся кожа), a trophic disorder of the skin of the lower extremities, particularly the fingers. Initially, the skin appears slightly thickened, smooth, shiny, tense, bluish-red, and subsequently takes on a pale, waxy color, thins out and atrophies. Cracks, abrasions, blisters, and ulcers often develop. Nails are frequently disfigured. Neuralgia is usually present. G. was first observed in a patient after the radial nerve was severed (Denmark). Cause: arteriosclerosis and damage to trophic nerves (as a result of trauma, myelitis, or constitutional diseases such as gout and rheumatism). Prognosis: according to Mitchell, the disease spontaneously disappears in most cases. Treatment: elimination of the underlying nerve disorder, tonic agents (arsenic and iron) and local applications (massage and electricity).
Figure 1. Stages of transformation: L-larva; B-puparium; C and D-pupa, removed from puparium, from below (C) and from above (D).
Figure 1. Stages of transformation: L-larva; B-puparium; C and D-pupa, removed from puparium, from below (C) and from above (D).
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Cite this page
“Glossy Skin.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/glossy-skin/