Dermatitis aestivalis is a skin condition that typically occurs during summer months. The spelling of this word can be broken down phonetically using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable "derm" is pronounced with a voiced dental fricative /ð/ followed by a short vowel sound /ɜː/. The second syllable "a-ti-ta-li-s" includes a long vowel sound /i:/ and ends with an unvoiced alveolar fricative /s/. Pronouncing each phoneme correctly is important for proper communication and understanding in medical contexts.
Dermatitis aestivalis, also known as summer dermatitis or sweat dermatitis, is a skin condition characterized by inflammation, itching, and irritation of the skin. It commonly occurs during the summer months when individuals sweat excessively or are exposed to high levels of humidity and heat.
This dermatitis primarily affects areas of the body that are prone to sweating, such as the groin, underarms, behind the knees, and on the palms and soles. The condition is often triggered by an allergic reaction to sweat, heat, or a combination of both.
Symptoms of dermatitis aestivalis include redness, swelling, small fluid-filled bumps, and intense itching. In severe cases, the affected skin may become blistered or develop crusty sores. Scratching the itchy skin can further aggravate the condition, leading to secondary infections.
The primary treatment for dermatitis aestivalis involves avoiding triggers and minimizing exposure to heat and sweat. Wearing loose-fitting, breathable clothes made of natural fibers and using antiperspirants or powders to keep the affected areas dry may provide relief. Topical corticosteroid creams or ointments may be prescribed by a healthcare professional to reduce inflammation and itching.
Prevention strategies such as taking cool showers, using sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF), and staying in air-conditioned environments can also help to manage symptoms. In more severe cases, oral antihistamines or other medications that suppress the immune response may be prescribed. Consulting a dermatologist is recommended for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Eczema recurring with the advent of hot weather.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word dermatitis aestivalis is derived from two main components:
1. Dermatitis: Derived from the Greek word dermatos, meaning skin, and the suffix -itis, which indicates inflammation. So, dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin.
2. Aestivalis: Derived from the Latin word aestas, meaning summer. The suffix -alis is added to indicate related to or pertaining to. Therefore, aestivalis means related to summer.
When combined, dermatitis aestivalis refers to inflammation of the skin specifically caused by exposure to sunlight during the summer season. It is also commonly known as summer dermatitis or sun allergy.