LUPUS SERPIGINOSUS Meaning and
Definition
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Lupus serpiginosus is a rare and chronic skin condition that is characterized by the presence of serpiginous or snake-like lesions on the skin. The term "lupus" is derived from the Latin word for wolf, referring to the destructive nature of the disease in its early stages, while "serpiginosus" denotes the winding, creeping pattern of the lesions.
The condition primarily affects the dermis, the middle layer of the skin, and is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues. The exact cause of lupus serpiginosus is still unknown, and it is often associated with other autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus.
The snake-like lesions characteristic of lupus serpiginosus typically start as red, raised patches that gradually spread and develop a scaly, border. They may be accompanied by symptoms such as itching, pain, and inflammation. The lesions tend to grow unpredictably and can appear on any part of the body, although they most commonly occur on the face, neck, and trunk.
The diagnosis of lupus serpiginosus is typically made through clinical examination, skin biopsies, and laboratory tests. Treatment options for this condition include the use of topical corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs, and phototherapy to manage symptoms and slow down disease progression. As it is a chronic condition, ongoing medical care and management are often required.
In summary, lupus serpiginosus is a rare autoimmune skin disorder characterized by the presence of winding, snake-like lesions on the skin. It is a chronic condition with no known cure, but treatment options are available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
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A creeping l. which continually involves new areas of the skin on one side while healing with scar formation on the other.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LUPUS SERPIGINOSUS
- lupus serpiginosu3
- lupus serpiginosuc
- lupus serpiginosuq
- lupus serpiginosur
- lupusserpiginnosus
- lupusserpieginosus
- l upus serpiginosus
- lupu s serpiginosus
- lupus s erpiginosus
- lupus se rpiginosus
- lupus serpi ginosus
- lupus serpig inosus
- lupus serpigi nosus
- lupus serpigin osus
- lupus serpigino sus
- lupus serpiginos us
- lupus serpiginosu s
Etymology of LUPUS SERPIGINOSUS
The term "lupus serpiginosus" is a Latin phrase that can be translated as "serpiginous wolf". This term is not widely used in modern scientific literature or medical communities. However, if we break down the etymology of the individual words:
1. Lupus: In Latin, "lupus" means "wolf". This term may have been used to describe certain skin conditions due to their resemblance to the irregular tracks left by a wolf's pawprints.
2. Serpiginosus: In Latin, "serpiginosus" means "serpiginous" or "snake-like". It is derived from "serpens", meaning "a snake".
So, the term "lupus serpiginosus" referred to a skin condition characterized by lesions or tracks resembling the markings left by a snake or a wolf.
