Acrodermatitis is a medical term used to describe skin inflammation. The word is spelled with an "a" at the beginning, followed by "cr", which is pronounced as /kr/. The "o" is pronounced as /oʊ/ and followed by "d", then "er" pronounced as /ɜːr/. The word ends with "ma", pronounced as /mə/ and "tis", pronounced as /tɪs/. With a total of five syllables and a complex blend of sounds, the spelling of acrodermatitis can be challenging to master.
Acrodermatitis refers to a type of skin condition characterized by inflammation and rash that primarily affects the extremities or acral regions of the body. The term can be broken down into two components: "acro" meaning extremities or distal portions of limbs, and "dermatitis" indicating inflammation of the skin.
Acrodermatitis is a multifaceted disorder that can manifest in different forms. One common form is known as acrodermatitis enteropathica, which is a rare genetic condition caused by a deficiency in zinc absorption. It presents with characteristic symptoms such as a rash, redness, and blisters around the mouth, hands, feet, and the buttocks.
Another form of acrodermatitis is acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans, a late manifestation of Lyme disease. This condition occurs during the later stages of the disease and is characterized by skin thinning and atrophy, mainly affecting the extremities.
The symptoms of acrodermatitis can vary depending on the specific form and underlying cause. Common signs include redness, swelling, blistering, scaling, and dryness of the affected skin. It may also be accompanied by itching, pain, and discomfort.
Treatment for acrodermatitis focuses on addressing the underlying cause. In the case of acrodermatitis enteropathica, zinc supplements are typically prescribed to correct the deficiency and alleviate symptoms. For acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans, antibiotic therapy is used to target the causative bacteria.
In conclusion, acrodermatitis is a term used to describe different types of inflammatory skin conditions that primarily affect the extremities. Proper diagnosis and treatment are important to manage the symptoms and improve the overall well-being of individuals with this condition
Inflammation of the skin of the arms or legs.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "acrodermatitis" is derived from Ancient Greek roots.
- "Acro" comes from the Greek word "akros" meaning "extremity" or "tip".
- "Dermatitis" is derived from the Greek words "derma" meaning "skin" and "-itis" meaning "inflammation".
So, when combined, "acrodermatitis" refers to the inflammation of the skin on the extremities or tips of the body.