LICHEN ANNULARIS Meaning and
Definition
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Lichen annularis is a chronic and rare skin condition characterized by the presence of raised circular lesions on the skin. It falls under the category of cutaneous lichenoid dermatosis, which refers to a group of skin disorders that display similar features. The term "lichen" is used because the lesions share resemblance to the growth patterns of certain lichens found in nature.
The lesions of lichen annularis typically appear as well-defined round or oval-shaped patches on the skin. They can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. The affected areas may be slightly elevated, scaly, and have a reddish or purplish coloration. These lesions tend to grow progressively and may join together to form larger rings or arc-shaped patterns.
The exact cause of lichen annularis remains unknown, but it is believed to be associated with an abnormal immune response. It may be triggered by various factors, including viral infections, exposure to certain medications, or underlying autoimmune disorders.
Diagnosis of lichen annularis is usually made through physical examination and a thorough medical history. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options for lichen annularis mainly focus on managing symptoms and alleviating discomfort. Topical corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive creams may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and itching. In severe cases, systemic therapies or phototherapy may be considered.
Overall, lichen annularis is a rare skin condition characterized by circular patches on the skin. Although it is benign and does not pose any serious health risks, it can be chronic and cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns for affected individuals.
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Granuloma annulare, an affection marked by the occurrence of annular lesions, 1/2-1 inch in diameter, on the dorsal and lateral aspects of the fingers.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LICHEN ANNULARIS
- kichen annularis
- pichen annularis
- oichen annularis
- luchen annularis
- ljchen annularis
- lkchen annularis
- lochen annularis
- l9chen annularis
- l8chen annularis
- lixhen annularis
- livhen annularis
- lifhen annularis
- lidhen annularis
- licgen annularis
- licben annularis
- licnen annularis
- licjen annularis
- licuen annularis
- licyen annularis
- lichwn annularis
Etymology of LICHEN ANNULARIS
The term "lichen annularis" is a medical or scientific term used to describe a specific skin condition characterized by the development of annular or ring-shaped lesions on the skin. The etymology of this term can be broken down as follows:
1. Lichen: The word "lichen" comes from the Latin word "lichen", which refers to a type of organism that forms a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria. Lichens typically grow on rocks or trees, but in this case, "lichen" is used metaphorically to describe the appearance of the skin lesions.
2. Annularis: The term "annularis" is derived from the Latin word "annularis", which means "ring-shaped" or "circular". It is used here to describe the characteristic circular or ring-shaped nature of the skin lesions associated with lichen annularis.
