in numbers, in close proximity,
and together with the accompanying inflammation, make up a small or large
area. The pustules are small, rounded, flat or acuminated, discrete, and
yellowish in color; they are perforated by hairs, show no tendency to
rupture, and are apt to occur in crops, drying to thin yellowish or
brownish crusts. Papules and tubercles are often intermingled. More or
less swelling and infiltration are noticeable.

[Illustration: Fig. 26.
Sycosis--not infrequently begins in, and sometimes limited to, this
region.]

The disease is seen, as a rule, only on the bearded part of the face,
either about the cheeks, chin or upper lip, involving a small portion or
the whole of these parts. It is also sometimes met with involving the
hair follicles just within the nasal orifice, and may even be limited to
this region.

Occasionally a sycosiform eruption, usually of the side of the bearded
region, leaves behind a smooth or keloidal scar, the disease gradually
extending--_ulerythema sycosiforme_ (lupoid sycosis).

An inflammation of the hair-follicles of the scalp apparently sycosiform
in character, occurring as discrete or aggregated lesions, is sometimes
observed, the follicles being destroyed and atrophy or slight scarring
resulting--_folliculitis decalvans_.

#Does conspicuous hair loss occur in sycosis?#

Ordinarily not; the hairs are, especially at first, usually firmly
seated, but in those cases in which suppuration is active, and has
involved the follicles, they may, as a rule, be easily extracted. In
some cases destruction of the follicles ensues and slight scarring and
permanent hair loss result.

#State the character of the subjective symptoms.#

Pain and itching and a sense of burning, variable as to degree, may be
present.

#What is the course of the disease?#

Essentially chronic, the inflammatory action being of a subacute or
sluggish character, with acute exacerbations.

#State the causes of sycosis.#

Upon the upper lip it may have its origin in a nasal catarrh. Entrance
into the follicles of pyogenic micrococci is now regarded as the
essential factor. This view being accepted, carries with it the
possibility of contagiousness.

It is seen in the male sex only, usually in those between the ages of
twenty-five and fifty; and is met with in those in good and bad health,
and among rich and poor. It is comparatively infrequent.

#What is the pathology of sycosis?#

T