Urticaria perstans is a medical term that refers to a rare type of chronic hives, which is characterized by the presence of small red bumps on the skin. The word is pronounced as 'ur-ti-kair-ee-uh pur-stans' in the IPA phonetic transcription. The spelling of the word can be broken down into its individual sounds, which are represented by specific symbols in the IPA. By using phonetic transcription, the correct pronunciation of complex medical terms like urticaria perstans can be easily understood and communicated by healthcare professionals.
Urticaria perstans is a medical condition characterized by a chronic and persistent form of urticaria, which is commonly known as hives. Urticaria refers to a skin disorder that results in the sudden appearance of itchy, raised, and often red or pink welts on the surface of the skin.
Urticaria perstans, specifically, is a subtype of urticaria that manifests as small, round or oval-shaped hives that develop gradually and persist for longer periods of time, often for more than 24 hours. These welts typically vary in size and may be present all over the body, although they tend to be concentrated on the trunk, arms, and legs.
The condition is thought to be caused by the activation of certain immune cells called mast cells, which release histamine and other chemicals that lead to the characteristic rash and itching. The exact underlying cause of urticaria perstans is not yet fully understood, but it is believed to be related to an abnormal immune response triggered by various factors such as allergens, infections, medications, stress, or autoimmune processes.
Urticaria perstans is typically diagnosed based on the appearance of the hives, their chronic and persistent nature, and the absence of other identifiable causes. Treatment options often include the use of antihistamines to alleviate itching and other symptoms. In some cases, additional medications such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants may be prescribed to achieve better control of the condition.
Overall, urticaria perstans is a chronic skin disorder characterized by long-lasting wheals or hives that require proper medical attention and management to mitigate symptoms and improve quality of life.
A form of chronic u. in which the wheals persist unchanged for long periods; tuberculosis cutis pruriginosa.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the term "urticaria perstans" can be broken down as follows:
1. Urticaria: The word "urticaria" comes from the Latin word "urtica" which means "nettle" or "stinging nettle". This term was used because the skin condition urticaria, commonly known as hives, causes a similar kind of itchy raised bumps on the skin, similar to those caused by the stinging nettle plant.
2. Perstans: The term "perstans" comes from the Latin word "persistere", which means "to persist" or "to remain". In the context of urticaria, it refers to a chronic or persistent form of the condition, where the symptoms can last for a longer duration compared to acute urticaria, which is characterized by sudden onset and resolves within a short period.