RARE DISEASES

Taranaki Daily News, 23 February 1935, Page 21 (Supplement)

RARE DISEASES

FUNGUS ON WOMAN’S ARM. POSSIBLY DERIVED FROM FLOUR. Sydney, Jan. 24. A woman in Sydney has for three years had a fungus as stiff almost as wooden splinters growing on her arms below the elbows. The disease is most distressing and has considerably affected her health. Her case is said to be the only, one In Australia at the moment. It is to be mentioned at the international surgeons’ coriference in Melbourne in March and also at the gathering of world’s leading medical men in Melbourne in September and, if possible, a cure evolved. The woman, of middle age, up to three years ago was in the baking trade. She kneaded dough every day, and in 1932 noticed a rash on her arms which could not be eradicated. A specialist diagnosed it as “rust fungus,” which comes from Stale flour. The fungus has taken de6p root and is continually growing. The woman uses a small knife to break off the growth every few days. Fully 20 Sydney specialists have examined the woman, but have been unable to effect a cure. She has been offered free accommodation at a hospital so that the disease can be. studied. “Rust fungus” is a wheat disease, but inspectors of the Agricultural Department watch for it and prevent affected wheat from being sold. The disease was prevalent in the wheat lands of Russia some years ago, and humans contracted . it.