LICHEN TROPICUS Meaning and
Definition
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Lichen tropicus, also known as tropical lichen, is a type of skin infection characterized by a rash or eruption on the skin. It is most commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions, hence its name.
The condition occurs when a person's skin comes into contact with a certain type of fungus, typically from the Trichophyton or Microsporum genus. These fungi thrive in warm and moist environments, making tropical regions more conducive to their growth. The infection can be contracted through direct contact with an infected individual, animals, or contaminated objects like towels or clothes.
The symptoms of lichen tropicus include redness, itching, and the formation of circular or oval-shaped patches on the skin. These patches often have raised edges and a lighter color in the center. The affected areas can be itchy, scaly, and sometimes develop into blisters or pustules.
Treatment for lichen tropicus typically involves the use of antifungal medications, either in topical form or orally. Keeping the affected area clean and dry is also essential to prevent the spread of the infection. In more severe cases, where the infection has spread extensively or is unresponsive to treatment, stronger antifungal medications may be required.
Preventive measures include avoiding direct contact with infected individuals, maintaining good personal hygiene, and ensuring that shared items and surfaces are cleaned and disinfected regularly. It is also important to wear loose-fitting clothing to promote ventilation and minimize perspiration, as well as to avoid walking barefoot in potentially contaminated areas.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LICHEN TROPICUS
- kichen tropicus
- pichen tropicus
- oichen tropicus
- luchen tropicus
- ljchen tropicus
- lkchen tropicus
- lochen tropicus
- l9chen tropicus
- l8chen tropicus
- lixhen tropicus
- livhen tropicus
- lifhen tropicus
- lidhen tropicus
- licgen tropicus
- licben tropicus
- licnen tropicus
- licjen tropicus
- licuen tropicus
- licyen tropicus
- lichwn tropicus
Etymology of LICHEN TROPICUS
The word "lichen tropicus" is a Latin term. Here's the breakdown of its etymology:
1. Lichen: The word "lichen" comes from the Latinized form of the Greek word "leikhēn". In Greek, "leikhēn" meant "a lichen", which refers to a symbiotic organism consisting of a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium living together in a mutualistic relationship.
2. Tropicus: This word is derived from the Greek word "tropikos", which means "of or belonging to the tropics". It is related to the Greek word "tropē", which means "a turning", referring to the turning points of the sun at the solstices.
So, "lichen tropicus" literally translates to "tropical lichen", indicating a kind of lichen that is found in or associated with the tropics.
