"Crusta lactea" is a term used to describe a skin condition commonly known as "cradle cap," which often affects infants. The spelling of this term can be tricky to decipher, but it is pronounced /ˈkrʌstə lækˈtiːə/ ("KRUSS-tuh LAK-tee-uh"). The first word, "crusta," is derived from the Latin word for "crust" and the second word, "lactea," refers to the milky appearance of the affected area. Despite its difficult spelling, the term is widely recognized in the medical community as a way to describe this common childhood condition.
Crusta lactea, also known as seborrheic dermatitis, is a common, chronic skin condition that primarily affects the scalp but can also occur on other areas of the body. The term "crusta lactea" originated from the Latin words crusta, meaning crust or scale, and lactea, meaning milk, as the condition is commonly associated with the formation of yellowish or whitish crusts on the affected areas.
Characterized by redness, itching, and flaking of the skin, crusta lactea is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. Although it commonly affects infants, it can also occur in adults. In infants, it is known as cradle cap, which typically resolves on its own within a few months.
The exact cause of crusta lactea remains unknown, but it is thought to be linked to an overproduction of sebum, the skin's natural oil, and an overgrowth of a yeast called Malassezia. These factors contribute to the inflammation and excessive shedding of skin cells, leading to the characteristic symptoms.
Treatment of crusta lactea typically involves gentle cleansing of the affected area with mild baby shampoo or gentle cleansers, followed by the application of moisturizers to keep the scalp or affected skin hydrated. In some cases, medicated shampoos or creams containing antifungal agents, corticosteroids, or zinc pyrithione may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and combat the overgrowth of yeast.
Overall, crusta lactea is a skin condition characterized by redness, scaling, and crust formation, primarily affecting the scalp. It is commonly seen in infants and can be managed effectively with proper skincare practices and, if necessary, topical medications.
Milk crust, seborrhea of the scalp in an infant.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "crusta lactea" is a Latin phrase that can be translated to "milky crust".
The word "crusta" comes from the Latin noun "crust", which means a hard outer layer or covering. It is related to the verb "crustare", meaning 'to form a crust.' In the context of "crusta lactea", it refers to the crust-like appearance of the skin condition.
The word "lactea" is derived from the Latin adjective "lacteus", meaning 'milky' or 'of milk.' It is derived from the noun "lac" which means 'milk.' This term is used in "crusta lactea" to describe the milk-like coloration that may be present on the affected skin.
So, in combination, "crusta lactea" refers to a skin condition characterized by the presence of milk-like crusts or scales.