LEPTOTHRICOSIS Meaning and
Definition
-
Leptothricosis refers to a rare medical condition that involves an infectious skin disease characterized by the presence of small, red, and itchy papules on the affected areas. This condition primarily affects individuals living in tropical or subtropical regions, and is caused by a fungal infection known as Trichosporon. The term "leptothricosis" is derived from the Greek words "lepto," meaning thin, and "thrix," meaning hair, signifying the thin hair-like appearance of the fungal hyphae that are characteristic of the infection.
The symptoms of leptothricosis typically appear as small, raised bumps on the skin that are often intensely itchy. These papules may be solitary or appear in clusters, and are commonly found on areas of the body that are prone to moisture and heat, such as the armpits, groin, and between the toes. The disease may also affect the nails, causing thickening and discoloration.
Leptothricosis is usually transmitted through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, such as towels, clothing, or shared personal items. Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or undergoing chemotherapy, are particularly susceptible to this infection.
Treatment for leptothricosis usually involves antifungal medications, such as topical creams or oral drugs, to eliminate the fungal infection. It is also important to maintain proper hygiene practices, including regular washing of affected areas and avoiding the sharing of personal items, in order to prevent the spread of the infection to others. In severe cases, additional treatments may be necessary under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
-
Any disease caused by a species of Leptothrix.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LEPTOTHRICOSIS
- keptothricosis
- peptothricosis
- oeptothricosis
- lwptothricosis
- lsptothricosis
- ldptothricosis
- lrptothricosis
- l4ptothricosis
- l3ptothricosis
- leotothricosis
- leltothricosis
- le-tothricosis
- le0tothricosis
- leprothricosis
- lepfothricosis
- lepgothricosis
- lepyothricosis
- lep6othricosis
- lep5othricosis
- leptithricosis
Etymology of LEPTOTHRICOSIS
The etymology of the word "leptothricosis" can be broken down as follows:
1. "Lepto-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "leptos", meaning thin or slender.
2. The second part of the word, "-thricosis", is derived from the Greek word "thrix" meaning hair.
Therefore, "leptothricosis" can be understood as a medical term combining the prefix denoting thinness or slenderness with a root relating to hair, resulting in a term that refers to a condition or disease affecting thin or slender hair.
