SCARLATINA HAEMORRHAGICA Meaning and
Definition
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Scarlatina haemorrhagica, also known as scarlet fever with hemorrhagic symptoms, is a severe and uncommon manifestation of scarlet fever. It is a contagious bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, primarily affecting children between the ages of 2 and 10 years old. The infection is characterized by the presence of a bright red rash, high fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes.
In scarlatina haemorrhagica, the typical symptoms of scarlet fever are accompanied by hemorrhagic manifestations. These may involve bleeding from the nose, mouth, or gastrointestinal tract, along with the appearance of small red or purple spots on the skin due to bleeding under the surface. Hemorrhage can also occur in the internal organs, leading to potentially life-threatening complications.
The bacteria responsible for scarlatina haemorrhagica is usually transmitted through respiratory droplets from an infected individual or through direct contact with their skin lesions. The incubation period for scarlet fever ranges from 2 to 5 days.
Prompt medical intervention is crucial to manage scarlatina haemorrhagica effectively. Treatment usually involves administration of antibiotics, such as penicillin, to combat the bacterial infection. Additionally, supportive care is provided to manage the symptoms and prevent complications. Bed rest, pain relievers, hydration, and a balanced diet are commonly recommended.
Prevention of scarlatina haemorrhagica involves practicing good personal hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. In some cases, prophylactic antibiotics may be prescribed to close contacts of affected individuals to prevent the spread of the infection.
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A form in which blood extravagates into the skin and mucous membranes, giving to the eruption a dusky hue; there is frequently also bleeding from the nose and into the intestine.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SCARLATINA HAEMORRHAGICA
Etymology of SCARLATINA HAEMORRHAGICA
The word "scarlatina haemorrhagica" is derived from Latin and Greek roots.
1. "Scarlatina" comes from the Latin word "scarlatina", which means "scarlet fever". It is a diminutive form of the Latin word "scarlatum", referring to a type of bright red cloth. This is because the skin of individuals affected by scarlet fever often becomes intensely red.
2. "Haemorrhagica" is derived from the Greek word "haimorrhagicos", which means "discharging blood". It is composed of "haema", meaning "blood", and "rhēgnȳmi", meaning "burst forth" or "break".
When combined, "scarlatina haemorrhagica" refers to a particularly severe form of scarlet fever characterized by bleeding under the skin, resulting in a reddish or purplish rash.
