Acrodermatitis perstans is a rare skin disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the skin on the hands and feet. The spelling of this complex medical term can cause confusion, as the pronunciation does not always match the written letters. Breaking the word down using IPA phonetic transcription, "ac-ro-der-ma-ti-tis" (ə-krō-dər-mə-tī-tis) and "per-stans" (pər-stanz) can help understand the etymology of the word. The prefix "acro" means "extremity" or "tip," while "dermatitis" refers to inflammation of the skin. The suffix "perstans" means "persistent" in Latin, thus describing the chronic nature of this disease.
Acrodermatitis perstans is a rare chronic skin disorder that is characterized by persistent inflammation and changes in the skin on the extremities. It is a form of non-infectious granulomatous dermatitis that primarily affects the fingers and toes. The condition is also known as "acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau."
The disease typically begins with redness and swelling of the distal parts of the limbs, particularly the fingers and toes. This is followed by the development of multiple, small pustular lesions that may break open and form crusts. Over time, the skin may become thickened, rough, and disfigured. In some cases, nail abnormalities such as pitting, ridges, and loss of nails can occur.
The exact cause of acrodermatitis perstans is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own skin cells. There may also be a genetic predisposition to the condition, as it has been reported to run in families. The disease is primarily diagnosed based on clinical presentation and histopathologic examination of skin biopsies.
Treatment for acrodermatitis perstans is challenging and often involves a combination of topical corticosteroids, immunosuppressant medications, and systemic corticosteroids. However, the disease is resistant to many therapies, and recurrences are common. Regular follow-up with a dermatologist is necessary to monitor the progression of the disease and adjust the treatment accordingly.
A persistently recurring form of dermatitis repens.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "acrodermatitis perstans" has a Greek and Latin etymology.
- "Acrodermatitis" comes from the Greek words "akros" meaning "extremity" and "derma" meaning "skin". It refers to a dermatological condition that primarily affects the extremities.
- "Perstans" is derived from the Latin word "persistens" meaning "persistent" or "stubborn". It is used to describe the chronic nature of the condition.