IDIOPATHIC SCLERODERMA OF THE MOUTH: Report of Three Cases

PEOPLE living in the southern districts of Taiwan (Formosa) have a habit of chewing the betel (Areca) nut (Areca catechu). This custom may also be observed among the natives of the islands in the South Pacific. The age of the Taipei Taitsong Fig. 1.—Distribution of betel (Areca) nut chewers in Taiwan. chewers ranges from 20 to 60 years and above. Wood states that in the tropical zone the betel-nut chewing stimulates digestion and also prevents infectious diseases.1 The betel nut is prepared in a special manner for chewing. The nut is cut into two or three pieces. It is then wrapped in a Pipera leaf (Piper catechu), and a paste of crude calcium and spice powder (Pulvis cinnamoni) is placed upon it. The piece is softened in the mouth, and the first saliva is spat out; then the juices are slowly swallowed. A physical examination was made on seven