VESICATING OINTMENT Meaning and
Definition
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A vesicating ointment refers to a medicated substance typically in the form of a thick, semi-solid lotion, cream, or balm that is specifically designed to cause blistering or the formation of blisters on the skin's surface. This ointment is commonly used for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes, most notably in the fields of dermatology and pharmacology.
Vesicating ointments contain a specific chemical compound, such as cantharidin or mustard oil, which possesses potent irritant properties. When applied topically, the ointment causes localized skin inflammation, leading to the development of small, fluid-filled blisters known as vesicles. This blistering effect is primarily due to the ointment's ability to stimulate the release of inflammatory mediators and encourage fluid accumulation within the affected area.
Vesicating ointments have various applications in the medical field. They may be used for skin testing in allergology to assess hypersensitivity or as a diagnostic tool to identify potential infections or dermatological conditions. Additionally, in dermatology, vesicating ointments can be employed for the treatment of certain skin lesions, such as warts, molluscum contagiosum, or even some types of skin cancer. The blister formation induced by these ointments can aid in the removal or destruction of diseased tissue, facilitating the healing process.
It is crucial to use vesicating ointments with caution under appropriate medical supervision, as misapplication or misuse can lead to adverse effects and potential complications.
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An ointment of stronger ammonia water 17, oil of sweet almond 2, lard 31, used as a counterirritant and vesicant.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for VESICATING OINTMENT
- cesicating ointment
- besicating ointment
- gesicating ointment
- fesicating ointment
- vwsicating ointment
- vssicating ointment
- vdsicating ointment
- vrsicating ointment
- v4sicating ointment
- v3sicating ointment
- veaicating ointment
- vezicating ointment
- vexicating ointment
- vedicating ointment
- veeicating ointment
- vewicating ointment
- vesucating ointment
- vesjcating ointment
- veskcating ointment
- vesocating ointment
Etymology of VESICATING OINTMENT
The word "vesicating ointment" is derived from the Latin word "vesica", which means "bladder" or "blister". The suffix "-ating" indicates the process or action of creating, while "ointment" refers to a type of medicinal preparation applied to the skin. Therefore, a vesicating ointment is a substance that causes the formation of blisters when applied to the skin.
