Plica Polonica

Plica Polonica is the name given to a disease of the scalp, in which the hairs become matted together by an adhesive and often fetid secretion, and which is especially prevalent in Poland, although it occasionally occurs in other countries. The hair is found, on microscopic investigation, to be infested with a fungus of the genus Trichophyton. The only treatment that is beneficial is the removal of the hair, and strict attention to cleanliness; but, as it is popularly believed in Poland that this affection affords a security from all other sickness and misfortune, it is often difficult to persuade patients to have recourse to these means.