hyperpigmentation, The macules and papules (t (6°2 mn in daameter) usualy cecurted tn
clusters and sometimes coalesced into larger lesions. The latter were characteristically
found on the sealp, neck, and the antecubital fossae. The raised plaques varied inoatve Crom a
few niilimeters lo several centimeters in diameter, were (ick, rough, dry, and hada leathery
feel. ‘This type of lesion oceurred predominantly on Che feet and to the antecubital fossae aad
todomuch lesser extention the neck.
Areas of mereised pocmentation sisa ceeacred on the
links, (runk, and on the face.
,
The majority of Qe lesions were guperficnl without blisters. A few days affer appearance,
Decurred in the central portion of the hyperpigniented areis. Phe des
dry, scaly desquundl
quanmiition fetta pink fo white epithelium not remarkably different im texture from the surFable G21
BSIONS IN RONGELAP GROUP
Per Cent of Total lo Age Group haviag Indfeated Lesion
Type of
Lesion
Median
Vie
oman
ite
of First
Age O95
Clo people)
Age G-15
Ch peopte)
Age 16 & Over
(38 people)
‘Total Geoug
(64 peopled
Observation
of Lestons*
I plas
2 plus
7.6
38.6
38.4
30.7
es Pra)
5.0
17.2
17.2
17
17
% plus
54.8
23.0
8.8
22.0
Jo
10,0
92. |
27.6
56.2
ah
7
Bpilation
Total
Skin baestotes
wu.4
0.0
ato
7.8
Seabp
Anus-Groin
1OQ.0
LOO,0
37.0
6Q0
tH
Neck
GOW’
76.9
GbL0
70,3
wt
Axttla
Gt
76
7
24
Zi
Antecubital
L7
38.4
34.2
34.4
Hands-Wrests
Fossac
~
$0.7
23.0
1k,4
21.0
oo
Feet
Arms
23.0
15.3
53.8
15.3
53.0
LO.8
45.5
12.5
28
St
Legs
Trunk
Nail Pigmentation
ct
28
TG
23.0
4.5
7.
aa
13.3
23.0
4.3
94
BH
61.5
100.0
95.0
89.0
3H
* Post-exposure davs.
rounding skin. As the desquamation proceeded outward, the areas developed a characteristic
appearance of a ventral depigmented area fringed with a hyperptgmented zone. Ala later stage,
pigmentation began in the central areas and spread outwards. After a few weeks the cycle was
completed, leaving in must instances a relatively normal appearing skin.
Approximately 20 per cent of the Rongelap group developed lesions which were mure severe, These lesions might be considered as compariuble to second degree Checaual burns. Phe
deeper lesions occurred principally on the feet and to a lesser extent on the seaip and neck and
Inone case onthe ear.
Btister formation was not common.
However, on the feet, some large
bullae (blisters) appeared. After a few days, the hyperpigmented lesions showed wet desquamiation with weeping and crusting, leaving depigmented raw surfaces of varying area. Someof
these lesions became secondarily infected. Epithelium rapidly covered the ulcerated areas
within a week tu 10 days. Pigmentation followed during the next few weeks. As healing occur-
red many of the more severe lesions (particularily on the neck and antecubital fossae) developed
a thickening of the skin with an “orange peel” appearance and a dusky, grayish-brown color
(see Plate 3.4).