Uncinariasis cutis is a parasitic skin infection caused by hookworms. The spelling of the term is a combination of Latin and Greek roots, with "uncinariasis" coming from "uncinaria" (hookworm) and "iasis" (disease), and "cutis" meaning "skin" in Latin. The IPA transcription of the word is /ʌn.sɪ.nə.'raɪ.ə.sɪs ˈku.tɪs/, with emphasis on the second syllable of "uncinariasis" and the first syllable of "cutis". Proper spelling and pronunciation of medical terms are crucial for effective communication in healthcare.
Uncinariasis cutis, also known as "cutaneous larva migrans" or "creeping eruption," is a parasitic skin infection caused by certain species of hookworms. It is characterized by a winding, snake-like red rash or serpiginous lesion on the skin, typically observed on the feet, buttocks, or hands. The condition is predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions, where humans are exposed to contaminated soil or sand harboring the infective larvae.
Uncinariasis cutis occurs when the larvae of the hookworms, usually Ancylostoma species or Necator americanus, penetrate the skin of humans. The larvae cannot complete their life cycle within the human body, so they migrate through the skin, causing the characteristic serpiginous rash. The infection is typically acquired by walking barefoot on soil or sand that has been contaminated with fecal material containing hookworm larvae.
Symptoms of uncinariasis cutis may include intense itching, redness, and raised tracks on the skin, which are often accompanied by secondary bacterial infections due to scratching. In some cases, mild systemic symptoms such as fever, nausea, or fatigue may also be present. Diagnosis is usually made based on the clinical presentation and history of exposure to contaminated soil.
Treatment for uncinariasis cutis typically involves the administration of oral antiparasitic medications, such as albendazole or ivermectin, which effectively kill the larvae and resolve the infection. Preventive measures, such as wearing footwear when walking on potentially contaminated soil and avoiding contact with animal feces, are crucial to reduce the risk of contracting uncinariasis cutis.
Ground itch, circumscribed inflammation of the skin, chiefly of the feet, caused by invasion of the larvae of Uncinaria duodenalis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "uncinariasis cutis" doesn't have a widely recognized etymology as it is not a commonly used term. However, breaking it down into its individual parts can provide some insight:
1. Uncinariasis: The term "uncinariasis" is derived from the name of the hookworm genus "Uncinaria". "Uncinaria" comes from the Latin word "uncus", meaning "hook". It refers to a parasitic infection caused by hookworms.
2. Cutis: The term "cutis" comes from the Latin word for "skin". It is often used in medical terminology to refer to various skin conditions or diseases.
Combining these two terms, "uncinariasis cutis" likely refers to a skin condition or manifestation related to the parasitic infection caused by hookworms.