LUETIC MASK Meaning and
Definition
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The term "luetic mask" refers to a characteristic manifestation observed in individuals with advanced stages of syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. It is a descriptive medical term derived from the Latin word "lueticus," which means "related to syphilis." The prominent clinical feature of a luetic mask is the distinctive facial appearance resulting from the destruction and scarring caused by the bacterium in the skin and underlying tissues.
In individuals affected by a luetic mask, the lesions typically develop on the face, particularly around the mouth and nose. These lesions are painless and initially appear as red, raised nodules or small ulcers. As the disease progresses, the nodules tend to worsen in size and extend deeper into the tissues, resulting in the characteristic crater-like or punched-out appearance. Over time, the lesions can cause considerable disfigurement and scarring of the face, leading to the luetic mask appearance.
Most commonly observed in individuals with tertiary syphilis, the luetic mask is a noteworthy sign of advanced disease. It serves as a visual reminder of the devastating effects of syphilis when left untreated, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent such severe manifestations. With the advent of antibiotics, particularly penicillin, the incidence of luetic masks has significantly reduced, as timely intervention can halt the progression of syphilis and prevent the development of such severe skin and tissue lesions.
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A dirty brownish yellow pigmentation, blotchy in character, resembling that of chloasma, occurring on the forehead, temples, and sometimes the cheeks in the subjects of tertiary syphilis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LUETIC MASK
- kuetic mask
- puetic mask
- ouetic mask
- lyetic mask
- lhetic mask
- ljetic mask
- lietic mask
- l8etic mask
- l7etic mask
- luwtic mask
- lustic mask
- ludtic mask
- lurtic mask
- lu4tic mask
- lu3tic mask
- lueric mask
- luefic mask
- luegic mask
- lueyic mask
- lue6ic mask
Etymology of LUETIC MASK
The term "luetic mask" is derived from the word "luetic", which relates to syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The root word "luetic" comes from the Latin term "lues", meaning "plague" or "infection". The "mask" part refers to a distinctive facial appearance that may occur during the late stage of syphilis, known as the "tertiary stage". In this stage, medical conditions such as gumma formation, which causes tissue destruction, can lead to facial disfigurement and the masking effect.
