DERMATITIS ATROPHICANS Meaning and
Definition
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Dermatitis atrophicans, also known as atrophic dermatitis, is a medical condition characterized by chronic inflammation of the skin leading to thinning and wasting away of the affected tissue. This condition primarily affects the dermis, which is the middle layer of the skin, resulting in visible changes such as skin thinning and the loss of muscle mass, as well as other associated symptoms.
The term "dermatitis" refers to inflammation of the skin, whereas "atrophicans" relates to the atrophic, or wasting, nature of the condition. Dermatitis atrophicans typically presents as a result of a specific cause, such as injury, infection, autoimmune disorders, or as a reaction to certain medications or chemicals. It is often marked by redness, itchiness, skin ulcers, and scarring.
The progressive atrophy of the affected skin can lead to the loss of elasticity, making it fragile and prone to tearing. This can result in the development of open sores and delayed wound healing. Dermatitis atrophicans can occur in various forms, including localized or generalized types, with respective variations in severity and distribution across the body.
Treatment for dermatitis atrophicans may involve addressing the underlying cause, managing symptoms, and promoting skin healing. This may include the use of topical or systemic corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, antibiotics to control infection, and supportive measures such as wound care and moisturizers to alleviate dryness and prevent further tissue damage.
Overall, dermatitis atrophicans is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin that leads to progressive thinning and wasting of the affected tissue, often requiring comprehensive management to address both the symptoms and the underlying cause.
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A diffuse idiopathic atrophy of the skin, involving the appendages.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for DERMATITIS ATROPHICANS
- sermatitis atrophicans
- xermatitis atrophicans
- cermatitis atrophicans
- fermatitis atrophicans
- rermatitis atrophicans
- eermatitis atrophicans
- dwrmatitis atrophicans
- dsrmatitis atrophicans
- ddrmatitis atrophicans
- drrmatitis atrophicans
- d4rmatitis atrophicans
- d3rmatitis atrophicans
- deematitis atrophicans
- dedmatitis atrophicans
- defmatitis atrophicans
- detmatitis atrophicans
- de5matitis atrophicans
- de4matitis atrophicans
- dernatitis atrophicans
- derkatitis atrophicans
Etymology of DERMATITIS ATROPHICANS
The word "dermatitis" is derived from the Greek words "derma" meaning "skin" and "itis" meaning "inflammation".
The term "atrophicans" is formed from the Latin word "atrophia", meaning "atrophy" or "wasting away".
Therefore, "dermatitis atrophicans" is a medical term that combines "dermatitis" referring to skin inflammation and "atrophicans" indicating a condition or process characterized by the atrophy or degeneration of the affected skin.
