This process of furrowing never advances in soldiers, and
has been given a name more expressive than elegant. In ainhum the
toe will swell in a few days, and a pain, burning or shooting in
nature, may be experienced in the foot and leg affected. Pain,
however, is not constant. There may be an erythematous eruption
accompanying the swelling. The furrow increases laterally and in
depth, and meets on the dorsal aspect of the toe, giving the toe
the appearance of being constricted by a piece of fine cord. As
the furrow deepens the distal end of the toe becomes ovoid, and
soon an appearance as of a marble attached to the toe by a
fibrous pedicle presents itself. By this time the swelling, if
any, has subsided. The distal end of the toe bends under the
foot, and becomes twisted when walking, and causes inconvenience,
and, unfortunately, says Eyles, it is in this last stage only
that the Fanti presents himself. There is in the majority of
cases a small ulcer in or near the digito-plantar fold, which
causes most of the pain, particularly when pressed upon. This
ulcer does not occur early, and is not constant. The case under
Pyle's observation showed no ulceration, and was absolutely
painless, the negress applying for diagnosis rather than
treatment.
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