Extusia

(quote about the disease)

Description

Extusia is considered to be one of the most terrible afflictions a person can contract, despite its relatively low mortality rate. Once infected, the subject will begin to develop sores and dry, itchy skin, spreading from the point of contact. As the condition progresses, cracks appear in the skin, revealing pustules and cysts. These wounds often leak a clear fluid and a small amount of blood. Over time, these growths begin to harden, marking the end of the infectuous period. Needless to say, the emergence of the cracks and growths are immensely painful for the subject. These physical manifestations are permanent, and there is no known treatment that can restore the appearance of the subject - though often, pain-relieving salves are used to provide some relief. (missing fatigue, hair loss, rheumy eyes)
Interestingly, this condition has a positive aspect, in that the subject is more resistant to physical wounds and injuries, once their skin and growths have fully hardened. In the extreme cases where the skin is damaged, however, the new wound will begin to follow the same course as those caused by the illness itself.

Infection

It is not known how the first cases of Extusia started, but today it is common knowledge that coming into contact with the clear, sticky fluid that seeps from a carrier's wounds will result in a new infection. The onset period, before the first symptoms begin to appear, is usually 1-2 hours. This is the only opportunity the soon to be afflicted individual has to either remove the contaminated area from their body or receive powerful cleansing magic (see below). Once sores and dry patches begin to form, the infection has already spread to the rest of the body. Even the most minute contact with the fluid will result in an infection if it is not treated immediately.
Those with a strong magical potential often experience the most debilitating effects. The growths will appear more quickly and much more numerous, and the contagious period will last several months, as opposed to a few weeks in normal cases. The pain appears to be so intense as to cause frequent loss of consciousness. Once the condition has stabilized and run its course, the hardened skin and cystic growths are much harder than those found in less magically capable, often achieving a bone-like strength.

Treatment

There is no effective treatment to halt or reverse the condition, once it begins to manifest. However, if an afflicted individual is aware of the contact, they can choose to remove the contaminated area, or receive magical healing. If the individual fails to rid themselves of the disease within the first few hours, they cannot be cured. Often, a paste made from Ytersum roots and King's Splendor flower petals will aid in the reduction of pain, and can be applied by slathering copious amounts directly on the exposed wounds, or can be coated onto a salve that is tied in place.

Note on Magical Treatment: A powerful restorative spell is required, often intense enough to give the subject Arcana Poisoning or even cause their death. Magic of this magnitude usually requires multiple casters working in conjunction, or an artifact that can amplify and focus arcane energy. Due to the possibility of death, this is an option relatively few pursue.

Cultural Acceptance

In most cities and nations, anyone discovered to be infected is effectively cut off from social interactions, rendering them a pariah. Drunken revelers or street toughs often see it as their duty to "protect" others by harassing or attacking afflicted individuals (typically at a distance, of course). Those who do not posess these violent urges instead revile and ostracize the infected, even once they have stabilized, due simply to their grotesque appearance. Frequently, the individual's posessions are put to the torch. Due to the lack of support or acceptance, those infected with Extusia seek shelter away from towns or cities, preferring solitude and isolation to the {bad treatment} they experience within. In some cases, groups of afflicted will congregate into "communes", offering safety and the merest taste of civilization to the downtrodden.
While rare, it is not unheard of for an infected person to be outright murdered. While illegal, the perpetrators are often not punished beyond a fine and/or a reprimand. In some cities, like Sol'gas, this act is seen as a public service, and some gangs have become official "protectors", akin to city guards, and even lauded.