EXANTHEM Meaning and
Definition
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Exanthem is a term used in medicine to describe a widespread rash or skin eruption that occurs as a result of a viral or bacterial infection. Derived from the Greek words "ex" meaning "out" and "anthos" meaning "flower," exanthem is often referred to as a "eruptive" or "exanthematous" rash due to its characteristic appearance on the skin.
Typically, an exanthem presents as multiple red or pink spots or bumps that may be itchy or uncomfortable. It can manifest in various patterns, including flat or raised patches, blisters, or rounded lesions. The rash of an exanthem often begins on the trunk or torso and spreads to other parts of the body, such as the limbs or face, within a short period of time, usually a matter of hours or days.
Exanthems can be caused by a wide range of infectious agents, including viruses like measles, rubella, or chickenpox, as well as certain bacteria like Streptococcus or Staphylococcus. These infectious organisms enter the body and trigger an immune response, which leads to the skin eruption. The exanthem is essentially the body's reaction to the infection and represents the outward manifestation of the underlying illness.
The diagnosis of an exanthem is based primarily on the appearance of the rash, accompanied by other characteristic symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough, or malaise, depending on the specific cause. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying infection, managing symptoms such as itching or discomfort, and ensuring adequate hydration and rest.
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1. Exanthema (1). 2. A skin eruption occurring as a symptom of a general disease, such as scarlet fever or measles.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for EXANTHEM
- wxanthem
- sxanthem
- dxanthem
- rxanthem
- 4xanthem
- 3xanthem
- ezanthem
- ecanthem
- edanthem
- esanthem
- exznthem
- exsnthem
- exwnthem
- exqnthem
- exabthem
- examthem
- exajthem
- exahthem
- exanrhem
Etymology of EXANTHEM
The word "exanthem" comes from the Greek word "exanthēma" (εξάνθημα), which is derived from the verb "exantheîn" (εξανθείν), meaning "to bloom" or "to flower". In Ancient Greek, "exanthēma" specifically referred to a rash or eruption on the skin. The term was later adopted into modern medical terminology to describe a rash or skin eruption associated with various infectious diseases.
Similar spelling word for EXANTHEM
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