This name was applied by Paget to a condition which he observed in connection with injuries or wounds of the nerves. There is here again indication of irritation of the nerves, as there is always neuralgic pain, described by Mitchell as burning pain. The condition also occurs sometimes after an attack of herpes (Paget), and it may be associated with eczema. It may also follow disease of the spinal cord (Mitchell). •

The disease occurs mainly in the hand, and especially in the fingers. The affected fingers "are usually tapering, smooth, hairless, almost devoid of wrinkles, glossy, pink, or ruddy, or blotched as if with permanent chilblains" (Paget). The most striking peculiarity is the shining, glossy appearance of the surface as if it had been varnished.

The comparison with chilblains is usually applicable, but sometimes the appearance is rather that of highly polished scars, and the condition resembles that in morphoea. In the affected part the hairs mostly disappear, and the nails undergo peculiar changes. The latter become greatly curved, much more than in cases of phthisis, while the skin at the root of the nail becomes retracted, leaving the sensitive matrix partly exposed. The disease affects mainly the fingers and toes, but it may extend to the palm of the hand or the dorsum of the foot. The histological details in this condition are little known.