Phagedena

(faj-cd-c'-nah). A spreading and destructive ulceration, often obstinately and rapidly disintegrating soft parts. P. gangraenosa. See Gangrene , Hospital. P. nosocomial is, hospital-gangrene. See Gangrene . P. tropic a, Aden Ulcer; Malabar Ulcer; a formidable skin-affection of the tropics, attacking chiefly those who live under depre ing influences. It is probably due to a microbe that produces a vesicle or bulla that rapidly a umes a sloughing or gangrenous nature. It quickly invades the neighboring ti ues, destroying the soft parts and even the bones. The ulcers generally begin on the feet, ankles, or legs, but the thighs or arms may be attacked. Finally, an indurated atonic ulcer is left which, after a variable period of weeks or months, gradually cicatrizes. Death is frequent from exhaustion.