The diagnosis must be made by the aid of the history
of the case and of any coexisting symptoms. The treat-
merit consists in the administration of iodide of potassium
and the local application of the liniment of iodine*



CHAPTER XVII



SECONDARY ASD TIRTUBT SYPHILITIC AFFECTIONS
0K0AM8 OP OKMBRATtON



In tlie male subject, dnrmg the eruptive stage, the
integnment of the glaoB penis ia occasionally tuarked by
roseoloas patches, which more or leas speedily disappear.
It sometimes happens, however, that a diffoae erysipelatous
redness appears on the inner layer of the prepuce, and
the fosiia behind the gtans, and sets up a somewhat acute
catarrhal condition of these parts. The prepare becomes
inflamed, thickened, aod of a deep red colour, and more
or less secretion is poured forth by the glands. Without
proper examination, the case may easily be mistaken for
Olio uf ordiuury balano- posthitis. Id the syphilitic affec-
tion, however, other indications of the disease, such as an
induration on the p«-ni8 or some eruption on the ekin or in
the throat, will invariably be present- Moreover, the sym-
ptoms are of a milder character than those of balanitis,
which generally produces groat swelling of the prepnce and
of the integnment of the penis, and soim.-tirnes acute inflam-
mation of the lymphatic vessels and profuse secretion
between the prepuce and the glnns. Even in syphilitic
cases, if the catarrhal secretion be allowed to accumulate,
there is likely to be considerable excorialiou of the glans
and prepuce. Under such circumstances, the sores might
be erroneously regarded as of u primary character, and the
aubse<jaeDt symptoms might then be attributed to a
"soft" sore. Such an error can bo easily avoided by a
proper examination of the patient.
