sycosis

(sī-kō′sĭs)

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(sī-kō′sēz″)
pl. sycoses A chronic inflammation of the hair follicles.

SYMPTOMS
The patient has inflammation of hairy areas of the body marked by an aggregation of papules and pustules, each of which is pierced by a hair. The pustules show no disposition to rupture but dry to form yellow-brown crusts. There is itching and burning. If the disease persists, it may lead to extreme destruction of hair follicles and permanent alopecia. The disease is curable with prolonged treatment, and relapses do occur. Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis entering through hair follicles cause the disease. Trauma and disability are predisposing factors.

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