DERMATOPHYTOSIS Meaning and
Definition
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Dermatophytosis, also known as ringworm or tinea, is a common contagious fungal infection that affects the skin, hair, and nails. It is caused by various species of dermatophytes, which are a type of fungi that thrive on the keratin protein found in these areas of the body.
The infection typically manifests as circular or ring-shaped rashes with raised, red edges and clearer skin in the center, resembling a ring. This characteristic appearance is due to the fungi invading the keratinized layers of the skin, resulting in an inflammatory response.
Dermatophytosis commonly affects areas of the body that are warm and moist, such as the scalp, groin, feet, and body folds. It can cause symptoms including itching, scaling, redness, and occasionally, blisters or pustules. The infection has the potential to spread through direct contact with an infected individual, contaminated objects, or even from animals.
Diagnosis of dermatophytosis is typically made by clinical examination, including a visual inspection and microscopic examination of skin scrapings or nail clippings. Treatment usually involves antifungal medications, either in topical form for milder cases, or oral medication for severe or widespread infections. Antifungal creams, powders, or shampoos may also be recommended to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrences. Proper hygiene practices, such as keeping the affected area clean and dry, wearing clean clothes, and avoiding contact with infected individuals or objects, can help prevent the spread of dermatophytosis.
Common Misspellings for DERMATOPHYTOSIS
- sermatophytosis
- xermatophytosis
- cermatophytosis
- fermatophytosis
- rermatophytosis
- eermatophytosis
- dwrmatophytosis
- dsrmatophytosis
- ddrmatophytosis
- drrmatophytosis
- d4rmatophytosis
- d3rmatophytosis
- deematophytosis
- dedmatophytosis
- defmatophytosis
- detmatophytosis
- de5matophytosis
- de4matophytosis
- dernatophytosis
Etymology of DERMATOPHYTOSIS
The word "dermatophytosis" is derived from three components: "derma", "phyto", and "osis".
1. "Derma" is derived from the Greek word "derma", meaning "skin". It is often used as a prefix or suffix in medical terms related to the skin.
2. "Phyto" is derived from the Greek word "phyton", meaning "plant". It is used as a prefix in medical terminology to indicate a relationship with plants, such as plant-derived substances or plant-related diseases.
3. "Osis" is a suffix commonly used in medical terminology to denote a condition or state, indicating suffering, disease, or abnormality.
Therefore, the word "dermatophytosis" combines these three elements, indicating a condition or state of suffering caused by a plant-related (fungal) infection of the skin.
Similar spelling words for DERMATOPHYTOSIS
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