"Necrotic erysipelas" is a medical term used to describe a type of skin infection caused by bacteria. The word "necrotic" refers to tissue death, while "erysipelas" is a type of bacterial infection that causes redness and swelling of the skin. In terms of pronunciation, "necrotic" is pronounced /nəˈkrɒtɪk/, with the stress on the second syllable, while "erysipelas" is pronounced /ˌerɪsɪˈpiːləs/, with the stress on the third syllable. The phonetic transcription helps to clarify the pronunciation of this complex medical term.
Necrotic erysipelas is a medical condition characterized by the combination of two entities: necrosis and erysipelas. Erysipelas is a bacterial skin infection typically caused by Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, resulting in inflammation and redness of the affected area. It commonly affects the legs, face, and arms, and is characterized by raised, well-defined borders.
In necrotic erysipelas, the infection progresses to a more severe stage that involves necrosis or tissue death. This occurs when the bacteria invade the deeper layers of the skin and produce toxins that cause damage to the surrounding tissues. As a result, the affected area becomes blackened, necrotic, and may produce foul-smelling discharge.
Necrotic erysipelas is often associated with conditions that compromise the immune system, such as diabetes, chronic venous insufficiency, or lymphedema. These underlying health issues make individuals more susceptible to severe forms of erysipelas.
The symptoms of necrotic erysipelas include fever, pain, swelling, and the presence of skin lesions characterized by necrosis. Prompt medical attention is essential to prevent further complications and to initiate appropriate treatment, typically involving antibiotics to target the underlying bacterial infection.
If left untreated, necrotic erysipelas can lead to serious complications, such as cellulitis, sepsis, or the spread of the infection to other parts of the body. Therefore, early diagnosis and management are crucial for a favorable outcome.
Erysipeloid.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the terms "necrotic" and "erysipelas" can be broken down as follows:
1. Necrotic: The word "necrotic" originates from the Greek word "nekrotikos", which is derived from "nekrosis", meaning "death" or "dead tissue". It is ultimately derived from the Greek word "nekros", meaning "corpse" or "dead".
2. Erysipelas: The term "erysipelas" comes from the Greek word "ērūsis", meaning "redness", and "pelas", meaning "skin". Combined, it refers to a skin infection characterized by redness and inflammation.
Therefore, "necrotic erysipelas" refers to a type of erysipelas infection that involves dead tissue or necrotic areas.