Apostema is a medical term that refers to an abscess or a swelling filled with pus. The word is pronounced /əˈpɒstɪmə/ [uh-pos-tuh-muh]. The first syllable is a schwa sound /ə/ and the stress is on the second syllable. The letter "o" is pronounced with a short "o" sound, /ɒ/. The letter "p" is pronounced with an unaspirated sound, /p/, followed by the letter "s" pronounced /s/. The letter "t" is pronounced with a soft "t" sound, /t/. The final syllable has a schwa sound /ə/ followed by the letter "m" pronounced /m/ and the letter "a" with a short "a" sound, /ə/.
Apostema is a noun derived from the Latin word "apostēma" which refers to a swollen blister or pustule filled with pus on or beneath the skin. It is commonly known as an abscess. The term is primarily used in medical contexts, particularly in the field of dermatology.
An apostema typically occurs as a result of infection, often caused by bacteria, and can appear anywhere on the body, most commonly in areas where there is a hair follicle or a sweat gland. It is characterized by a localized red, tender, and swollen area, which gradually fills with a thick yellowish-white fluid known as pus. The presence of an apostema indicates an immune response to the infection, whereby white blood cells accumulate and attack the invading pathogens.
In order to treat an apostema, medical intervention is often required. This may include the use of antibiotics to combat the infection, as well as drainage of the accumulated pus through a minor surgical procedure. Failing to address an apostema promptly could result in complications, such as spreading of the infection to surrounding tissues or the formation of a larger, more painful abscess.
In summary, an apostema is a localized blister or pustule filled with pus resulting from an infection. Quick medical attention is necessary to prevent further complications and facilitate healing.
The word "apostema" has its roots in Greek. It is derived from the Greek word "apostēma" (ἀπόστημα), which means "abscess" or "inflammatory swelling". In turn, "apostēma" comes from the verb "apostēmō" (ἀποστήμω), meaning "to form an abscess".