ORIENTAL BOIL Meaning and
Definition
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Oriental boil, also known as tropical ulcer or New Guinea ulcer, is a medical condition characterized by a chronic skin infection that predominantly affects individuals living in tropical and subtropical regions. This term specifically refers to a skin ulceration caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium ulcerans. The condition is most commonly found in parts of Asia, Africa, and South America, with particularly high prevalence in rural communities.
The development of an oriental boil typically involves the entry of M. ulcerans into the skin through a break in the dermal barrier, such as a cut or an insect bite. The infection progresses slowly, with the bacterium releasing toxins that cause necrosis and tissue damage. As a result, patients develop a painless, slowly expanding wound or ulcer, usually on the arms or legs. The ulcer may have an undermined edge and often has a necrotic or infected base.
The treatment of oriental boils often requires a combination of medical interventions. The primary approach is antibiotic therapy, usually with medications like rifampicin and clarithromycin, which can be administered orally or intravenously. In some cases, surgical debridement or excision may be necessary to remove necrotic tissue and promote wound healing. Additionally, wound care and proper hygiene practices play a crucial role in the management of oriental boils.
Preventive measures, such as insect bite prevention, wound hygiene, and timely treatment of cuts and injuries, are essential in reducing the risk of developing oriental boils. Health education and public health initiatives are instrumental in raising awareness and providing adequate resources to communities affected by this condition.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ORIENTAL BOIL
- iriental boil
- kriental boil
- lriental boil
- priental boil
- 0riental boil
- 9riental boil
- oeiental boil
- odiental boil
- ofiental boil
- otiental boil
- o5iental boil
- o4iental boil
- oruental boil
- orjental boil
- orkental boil
- oroental boil
- or9ental boil
- or8ental boil
- oriwntal boil
- orisntal boil
Etymology of ORIENTAL BOIL
The term "oriental boil" is archaic and not commonly used today. It refers to a now-outdated medical term used to describe a contagious skin infection called Cutaneous Leishmaniasis, caused by a parasitic protozoan called Leishmania. Its origins lie in the historical association of this disease with the regions of the Orient or the Middle East.
The word "oriental" comes from the Latin word "oriens", meaning "rising" or "east". It was originally used to refer to the lands east of Europe, including the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the Far East. In the context of "oriental boil", the term was used by European colonial powers during the 19th and early 20th centuries when referring to this specific disease prevalent in those regions.
