The word "vesicating plaster" is a medical term that refers to a substance used to create blisters on the skin. The correct spelling of this word is "vɛsɪkeɪtɪŋ ˈplæstər," with the stress on the second syllable. The word is derived from the Latin word "vesica," meaning blister, and the suffix "-ate," indicating action or effect. The word "plaster" refers to a material used to cover and protect the skin. The correct spelling of this word is important to ensure effective communication between medical professionals.
A vesicating plaster, also known as a blistering plaster or a vesicant, refers to a type of medical dressing or adhesive patch that is applied to the skin to induce the formation of blisters or produce a vesicle, a small fluid-filled sac. It is commonly used in medical procedures such as dermatology, podiatry, and traditional medicine.
Vesicating plasters are typically composed of a fabric patch infused with chemical substances that have potent irritant properties, such as cantharidin, mustard oil, or resin derived from plants like Spanish fly. These substances work by causing inflammation and irritation when in contact with the skin, stimulating the release of certain chemicals that provoke a local blistering response.
When a vesicating plaster is applied, it adheres to the skin, and the irritant chemicals are slowly released over time, causing the skin to become red, swollen, and blistered. The blisters that develop are sterile and contain a clear fluid, similar to a burn blister. The purpose of inducing blister formation is to create a controlled injury that serves various therapeutic purposes, including the removal of skin lesions, treating certain skin conditions like warts or psoriasis, and preparing the skin before other medical interventions. Additionally, the fluid within the blister can be analyzed to aid in the diagnosis of certain conditions.
Overall, vesicating plasters are an essential medical tool that, when used under proper supervision, can serve multiple purposes in the field of dermatology and podiatry, assisting healthcare professionals in diagnosing and treating various skin conditions.
Ceratum cantharidis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "vesicating plaster" is a compound term consisting of two words: "vesicating" and "plaster".
1. Vesicating:
The term "vesicating" comes from the Latin word "vesicatus", which is the past participle of "vesicare", meaning "to form a blister". This Latin word ultimately derives from "vesica", which means "bladder" or "blister".
2. Plaster:
The term "plaster" originates from the Old French word "plastre" and the Latin word "emplastrum". Both terms refer to a soft, malleable substance used as a healing or protective covering. The word "emplastrum" itself was derived from the Greek word "emplastron", meaning "a plaster or salve".