WINTERNITZ Meaning and
Definition
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Winternitz is a noun that refers to a medical definition associated with the syndrome known as Winternitz phenomenon or Winternitz sign. It is named after Ernst Winternitz, an Austrian pathologist and dermatologist who described the phenomenon in 1913. Winternitz phenomenon refers to the blanching or pallor of the skin that occurs after exposure to cold or cold water.
In this context, the term describes a vascular and physiological response of the human body to extreme cold temperatures. When the body is exposed to cold stimuli, particularly cold water, the blood vessels in the skin constrict, reducing blood flow to the surface of the skin. This results in the skin turning paler or white in color, representing reduced circulation in the affected area.
The Winternitz phenomenon can be observed in various medical conditions, such as Raynaud's disease, frostbite, and cold-induced urticaria. It is considered an important diagnostic tool for assessing the integrity of blood vessel function and blood perfusion. By observing the skin reaction to cold stimuli, healthcare professionals can determine the efficiency of blood circulation in specific areas of the body.
Overall, Winternitz is a term used to describe the blanching or paleness of the skin that occurs when exposed to extreme cold or cold water, having a clinical significance in the assessment of blood perfusion and vascular function.
