=Kraurosis Vulvæ.=--Kraurosis vulvæ is a very rare disease, of chronic inflammatory nature, affecting the vulva. The disease is characterized by cutaneous atrophy, with very marked shrinking and contraction of the vaginal orifice. The lesions may be unilateral or circumscribed, but usually the tissues of the labia majora, the nymphæ, and the area surrounding the clitoris and urinary meatus are more or less involved. The cause of the disease has not as yet been determined. It has been observed at every age after puberty, in the nulliparæ as well as the multiparæ, and in the parturient woman. It must be differentiated from pruritus and the atrophic changes which take place after the physiological and induced menopause. The first symptoms noticed by the patient are usually those of pruritus--an intense itching and burning about the vulva. In some cases the affected tissue early becomes excessively hyperplastic. The mucous membrane and the skin of the vulva are often discolored, small red spots appearing, which are sensitive to touch. Later a peculiar shrinking of the superficial tissue takes place, and the diseased surfaces become dry and whitened. The nymphæ gradually disappear, fusing with the labia majora; and the mucous membrane and skin become shiny and drawn smoothly over the shrunken clitoris. Cracks or fissures appear on the dry surfaces. A sensation of drawing and shrinking of the vulva is now usually experienced. The vaginal orifice gradually narrows and contracts, until frequently the little finger can scarcely be introduced. When this last condition of atrophy is reached, the pathological process is arrested, the subjective sensations of shrinking pass away, and the symptoms resembling pruritus are no longer experienced. The shrunken and contracted vaginal orifice, however, persists and is never spontaneously restored. _Treatment._--Palliative treatment by local applications may be tried, or a cure may be attempted by operation. The palliative treatment is simply directed toward the relief of the subjective symptoms, which at times are exceedingly painful. Pure carbolic acid or a solution of cocaine applied locally, or pure nitrate of silver applications frequently repeated, afford temporary relief. Cloths wrung out of hot water and placed over the vulva also lessen the suffering. A solution of the neutral acetate of lead in glycerin, on cotton placed between the labia, is recommended. Forced dilatation of the vaginal orifice under ether has been practised with good result. The most satisfactory treatment is complete excision of the diseased tissue. Unless all affected tissue is removed, the disease may return.