Acarodermatitis is a dermatological condition caused by a mite infestation. The word is derived from two Greek roots: acaro, meaning "mite," and dermatos, meaning "skin," followed by the suffix -itis which indicates inflammation. The word is spelled as [ˌækəroʊdɜrˌmætɪˈtaɪtɪs] in the International Phonetic Alphabet. The stress is on the penultimate syllable "-derm". Understanding the phonetic transcription helps to pronounce and spell the word correctly, which is important in the medical field.
Acarodermatitis is a medical term used to describe a dermatological condition caused by an infestation of mites, particularly those belonging to the genus Acarus. It is characterized by inflammation, irritation, and skin lesions as a result of the mite's presence and their activities on the skin. The infestation commonly occurs in animals but can occasionally affect humans as well.
The mites responsible for acarodermatitis are tiny arthropods that commonly reside in dust, bedding, carpets, and upholstery. When in close contact with the skin, they can cause itching, redness, and a range of other symptoms. The condition primarily affects areas of the body with thinner, more sensitive skin such as the face, neck, and genital regions.
Symptoms of acarodermatitis may include intense itching, redness, raised bumps, and sometimes the formation of pustules or blisters. These skin lesions can become increasingly severe if left untreated and lead to secondary infections. Treatment of acarodermatitis typically involves the use of medicated creams or ointments to alleviate the symptoms and to eliminate the mite infestation.
Prevention of acarodermatitis involves maintaining good hygiene practices, reducing exposure to dust and allergens, and regular cleaning of bedding and other fabrics. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to seek medical attention to properly diagnose and manage the condition.
An inflammation of the skin caused by the presence of a mite; acariasis, the itch.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "acarodermatitis" is derived from two roots: "acaro" and "dermatitis".
1. "Acaro-" comes from the Greek word "akaros", which means "mite" or "tiny bug". It refers to a specific kind of arthropod in the subclass Acari, commonly known as mites.
2. "Dermatitis" is a term derived from the Greek words "derma", meaning "skin", and "-itis", meaning "inflammation". It refers to the inflammation of the skin caused by various factors.
Therefore, "acarodermatitis" combines these two roots to describe a type of skin inflammation or dermatitis caused by mites.