SUMMARY.— One hundred and fifty “Ricksha Boys” of Durban. South Africa, whose bare feet are habitually exposed to gross trauma, were examined. A curious type of trauma‐induced, occupational koilonychia, not previously described, was observed in a significant number of the pullers (16%). The clinical appearances are described and the probable aetiological factors are examined.

No abstract

SUMMARY A new term ‘pseudo‐monilethrix’ is suggested for an unusual form of ‘beaded’ hair, found in many members of a large Caucasoid family. The abnormality bears a resemblance to classical monilethrix but is not the same condition. Other associated anomalies are formes frustes of pili torti and trichorrhexis nodosa. These disorders are traced through four generations and appear to have been inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. The clinical features and prognosis are discussed and the results of the examination of hairs under the light and scanning electron‐microscopes are recorded.

No abstract

The rare disorder of chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis is described in a two-year-old African girl who had a moderate lymphopenia due to fewer T and B cells, impaired lymphocyte transformation to PHA and candida antigen, decreased leucocyte migration inhibition to candida antigen and a defective cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity reaction to candida antigen and dinitrochlorobenzene. The patient's serum had a marginal inhibitory effect on the transformation of normal lymphocytes to candida antigen and no effect on PHA stimulation of these cells, as measured by stimulation index. In addition, IgA was deficient in her serum. No associated endocrinopathy was detected and she had a mild iron deficiency anaemia. There was a rapid and excellent response to ketoconazole with all lesions clearing within two months of treatment.