This severe form of Lichen (Plate IV. fig. 2. of
Bateman; pi. 2. of Thomson*s Atlas,) is ushered
in by febrile symptoms, which are commonly relieved
on the appearance of the papulous eruption. The
papulae occur in large patches, are of a high red
colour, and have a degree of inflammation diffused
around them to a considerable extent. They are ac-



16 pafulje:

companied by itching, heat, and, a painful tingling,
which are augmented to a sensation of smarting and
scalding by the heat of the bed, washing with soap,
drinking wine, or using violent exercise. The symp-
toms undergo a daily increase and remission j for
they are all greatly diminished in the morning, and
recur after dinner. Some small vesicles, filled with
a straw-coloured fluid, are occasionally inter^nixed
with the papulae ; but they are not permanent.
The duration of the L. agrius is various : some-
times it continues for several weeks ; and in most
instances, the eruption appears and disappears re-
peatedly before the disease is removed. In both
these cases, the cuticle of the parts affected becomes
harsh, thickened, chappy, and exquisitely painful on
being rubbed or handled. After repeated attacks,
indeed, it is liable to terminate* in a chronic pustular
disease, the Impetigo.* This tendency, and the
diffuse redness connecting the papulae, distinguish
the L. agrius from the preceding species, which oc-
casionally pass into Psoriasis, as observed by the
ancients.
The L. agrius is sometimes repelled by exposure
to cold, upon which an acute febrile disorder ensues,
with vomiting, head-ach, and pains in the bowels, and
continues for several days. Women are more liable
to this species of Lichen than men, particularly after
suffering long-continued fatigue, with watching and
anxiety : it sometimes occurs in spirit-drinkers.
