Angiokeratosis is a medical term referring to a condition characterized by the presence of small blood vessels and thickened skin. The word is spelled as [æn-dʒi-oʊ-kɛr-ə-toh-sis], with stress on the second syllable. The word derives from the Greek words "angeion," meaning vessel, "keras," meaning horn, and "osis," meaning condition. This condition may occur in various parts of the body, and the symptoms can vary from mild to severe. Treatment may involve removing affected areas of skin, applying topical creams, or using laser treatments.
Angiokeratosis is a medical term that refers to a rare group of disorders characterized by the presence of small red or purple vascular lesions on the surface of the skin. These lesions usually appear in the form of flat or raised papules and are commonly found in areas with a high concentration of blood vessels, such as the lower extremities, the scrotum, or the vulva.
The condition is believed to result from the dilation or rupture of the small blood vessels in the affected areas, leading to the accumulation of blood beneath the skin's surface. This accumulation then triggers the development of small, wart-like growths, known as keratoses. Angiokeratosis can be inherited or acquired, with the inherited form often associated with a genetic defect in an enzyme responsible for lipid metabolism.
Symptoms of angiokeratosis typically include the presence of these characteristic skin lesions, which may be asymptomatic or present with occasional itching or pain. In some cases, the lesions can also bleed if scratched or injured. While generally benign, the condition may sometimes be a sign of an underlying vascular disorder, such as Fabry disease or other lipid storage disorders.
Treatment options for angiokeratosis vary depending on the underlying cause and the severity of symptoms. In some instances, no treatment may be necessary, while in others, medications, laser therapy, or surgical removal of the lesions may be recommended. Regular monitoring and management of any associated underlying conditions are usually part of the overall treatment plan.
The occurrence of multiple angiokeratomata.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "angiokeratosis" has its etymology rooted in Greek and Latin.
The term is composed of two main parts: "angio-" and "keratosis".
1. "Angio-" comes from the Greek word "angeion" (ἀγγεῖον), meaning "vessel" or "container". In medical terminology, it usually refers to blood vessels.
2. "Keratosis" stems from the Greek word "keras" (κέρας), which translates to "horn" or "hard growth". Therefore, "keratosis" refers to abnormal growth or thickening of the skin.
By combining these two components, the term "angiokeratosis" refers to a group of skin disorders characterized by the presence of abnormal blood vessels and the overgrowth or thickening of the skin.