SCHISTOSOME DERMATITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Schistosome dermatitis, also known as cercarial dermatitis or swimmer's itch, is a skin condition caused by an allergic reaction to the larvae of certain species of parasitic worms called schistosomes. These microscopic worms typically infect birds and mammals, but can accidentally infect humans when they come into contact with infected water bodies.
When an individual swims or wades in water that is contaminated with schistosome larvae, the larvae can penetrate the skin. However, they are unable to complete their life cycle, leading to an immune reaction that results in schistosome dermatitis.
The symptoms of schistosome dermatitis typically appear within hours of exposure and include an itchy rash, redness, and bumps or blisters on the skin. These symptoms usually affect the areas of the body that were in direct contact with the contaminated water, such as the legs, arms, or torso. The itching can be intense and may persist for several days.
Treatment for schistosome dermatitis aims to relieve symptoms and usually involves anti-itch creams or oral antihistamines to alleviate the itching and inflammation. In most cases, the condition resolves on its own without any long-term complications. However, if the symptoms are severe or persistent, medical attention may be necessary to rule out other potential causes or infections.
Preventing schistosome dermatitis involves avoiding swimming or wading in water known to be infested with schistosomes, especially in areas where the parasites are endemic. Additionally, using protective clothing such as wetsuits, applying waterproof sunscreen, or using a towel to vigorously dry off after leaving the water can help reduce the risk of infection.
Common Misspellings for SCHISTOSOME DERMATITIS
- achistosome dermatitis
- zchistosome dermatitis
- xchistosome dermatitis
- dchistosome dermatitis
- echistosome dermatitis
- wchistosome dermatitis
- sxhistosome dermatitis
- svhistosome dermatitis
- sfhistosome dermatitis
- sdhistosome dermatitis
- scgistosome dermatitis
- scbistosome dermatitis
- scnistosome dermatitis
- scjistosome dermatitis
- scuistosome dermatitis
- scyistosome dermatitis
- schustosome dermatitis
- schjstosome dermatitis
- schkstosome dermatitis
Etymology of SCHISTOSOME DERMATITIS
The term "Schistosome Dermatitis" is a combination of two main components: "schistosome" and "dermatitis".
1. Schistosome: The word "schistosome" comes from the Greek words "skhistos" meaning "split", and "soma" meaning "body". It refers to a genus of parasitic flatworms belonging to the family Schistosomatidae. These worms are commonly known as "blood flukes" and are responsible for causing a variety of diseases in humans and animals, including schistosomiasis.
2. Dermatitis: This word is derived from the Greek word "derma", meaning "skin", and the suffix "-itis", meaning inflammation. Dermatitis refers to an inflammation of the skin, typically resulting in redness, itching, and sometimes blisters or sores.
