Gummatous syphilide is a skin manifestation of tertiary syphilis. The word "gummatous" is pronounced /ˈɡʌmətəs/ with stress on the first syllable. The letter "u" between "m" and "t" is pronounced as a schwa, which sounds like the "uh" sound. The second part of the word, "syphilide," is pronounced /ˈsɪfɪlaɪd/ with stress on the first syllable. The "y" is pronounced as a long "i" sound, and the "ph" is pronounced as an "f" sound. Knowing the correct spelling and pronunciation of medical terms is essential for effective communication in healthcare.
A gummatous syphilide is a specific type of skin lesion that occurs in individuals with syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. This term is primarily used in the field of dermatology to describe a distinct manifestation of secondary syphilis.
The gummatous syphilide is characterized by the development of granulomatous nodules or ulcers on the skin or other tissues. These lesions typically arise during the later stages of secondary syphilis, which can occur months to years after the initial infection. Gummatous syphilides are more commonly observed in individuals with untreated or inadequately treated syphilis.
The granulomatous nodules or ulcers that arise in gummatous syphilides are usually painless and can vary in size, shape, and appearance. They often have a rubbery texture and can affect any part of the body, including the skin, bones, liver, or subcutaneous tissue. In some cases, these lesions can lead to destructive or ulcerative changes, causing significant tissue damage.
The development of gummatous syphilides is thought to result from a type of delayed hypersensitivity reaction against the invading Treponema pallidum bacteria. These lesions are usually accompanied by other symptoms of secondary syphilis, such as rash, fever, malaise, and enlarged lymph nodes.
Treatment for gummatous syphilides involves addressing the underlying infection with appropriate antibiotics, usually penicillin or related drugs. Timely diagnosis and prompt treatment of syphilis can help prevent the development of gummatous syphilides and other complications associated with the disease.
Gumma.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "gummatous" is derived from the Latin word "gummi" meaning "gum", specifically referring to a swelling or growth. In the context of syphilis, "gummatous" is used to describe a specific type of lesion or skin rash associated with the disease.
The word "syphilide" is formed by adding the suffix "-ide" to "syphilis". "Syphilis" originates from the poem "Syphilis sive Morbus Gallicus" ("Syphilis or the French Disease") written by the Italian physician and poet Girolamo Fracastoro in 1530. The poem describes a fictional shepherd named Syphilus who contracts a horrible disease as a punishment from the gods. Over time, the term "syphilis" came to be used to refer to the sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum.