[The ether test in leprology]

The author introduces a new diagnostic technique to test skin sensitivity in hanseniasis. Sulphuric ether boils at 35 degrees C, i.e., practically at skin temperature. One gram of vaporized ether applied to the skin substracts 90 calories and causes a clear ice-cold sensation. By touching the cooled area with his fingertip the observer provokes a warm sensation. In hyposthetic skin that sensation of cold is diminished and in anesthetic areas there is no feeling of cold at all with this ether technique. The test is made with a small cotton ball wetted in sulphuric ether, which is lightly passed over the patient's skin. The subjective cooling sensation depends on the patient's information but sometimes it is accompanied by an objective "goose skin" aspect, which is especially useful when testing children and other non-cooperative persons. The technique is quite simple and much more practical and precise than the classic warm/cold tubes. It permits the mapping of the whole skin surface for disesthesic areas in a few minutes. Precautions regarding the use of ether are given.