LICHEN SYPHILITICUS Meaning and
Definition
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Lichen syphiliticus is a term used in dermatology to describe a specific type of skin rash that is associated with syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. This condition is characterized by a distinctive rash that typically appears on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, although it can also be observed on other parts of the body.
The term "lichen" refers to the appearance of the rash, which resembles lichen, a type of organism that consists of a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae. The rash consists of small, flat-topped, pink or red papules that can merge together to form irregularly shaped plaques. These plaques may have a scaly or crusted surface and can range in size from small dots to larger patches.
Lichen syphiliticus is considered to be a late-stage manifestation of syphilis, typically occurring several years after the initial infection. It is one of the many possible symptoms of tertiary syphilis, which can affect various systems of the body, including the skin, nervous system, cardiovascular system, and bones.
Diagnosis of lichen syphiliticus usually involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests to confirm the presence of syphilis. Treatment of this condition involves the administration of antibiotics, usually in the form of penicillin or other appropriate medications specifically targeted at treating syphilis.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LICHEN SYPHILITICUS
- lichen syphiliticur
- l ichen syphiliticus
- li chen syphiliticus
- lic hen syphiliticus
- lich en syphiliticus
- liche n syphiliticus
- lichen s yphiliticus
- lichen syph iliticus
- lichen syphi liticus
- lichen syphil iticus
- lichen syphili ticus
- lichen syphilit icus
- lichen syphiliti cus
- lichen syphilitic us
- lichen syphiliticu s
Etymology of LICHEN SYPHILITICUS
The word "lichen syphiliticus" is a medical term used to describe a skin condition that is associated with syphilis. It is derived from two components:
1. Lichen: The term "lichen" in this context refers to a skin disease characterized by small, flat, raised bumps on the skin. The word "lichen" itself has its roots in the Greek word "leikhēn", which means "lichen" or "moss". This is because the skin lesions in lichen diseases can sometimes resemble the appearance of lichen or moss on rocks.
2. Syphiliticus: The term "syphiliticus" is an adjective form of the word "syphilis", which is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.
