BLASTOMYCETIC DERMATITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Blastomycetic dermatitis, also known as blastomycosis or North American blastomycosis, is a rare fungal infection primarily affecting the skin and other body tissues caused by the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis. It is mainly found in areas of North America, particularly the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys, and commonly affects individuals who spend a lot of time outdoors in activities such as hunting or camping.
The infection begins when the fungal spores are inhaled into the lungs. From there, the fungus can enter the bloodstream and spread to other organs or tissues, including the skin. Blastomycetic dermatitis presents as a chronic skin infection characterized by the formation of raised, reddish-brown nodules or ulcers that may be accompanied by crusting, oozing, or pain.
Symptoms of blastomycetic dermatitis can vary depending on the severity and location of the infection. In addition to skin manifestations, individuals may experience fever, cough, chest pain, muscle aches, fatigue, and unintentional weight loss, among other systemic symptoms.
Diagnosis of blastomycetic dermatitis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, fungal culture, microscopic examination of samples, and serological tests. Antifungal medications, such as itraconazole or amphotericin B, are commonly used for treatment, with the duration depending on the severity of the infection.
Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to prevent complications and further dissemination of the infection. While blastomycetic dermatitis can be a serious condition, with the proper medical management, the prognosis is generally good, especially if detected and treated in the early stages.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BLASTOMYCETIC DERMATITIS
- vlastomycetic dermatitis
- nlastomycetic dermatitis
- hlastomycetic dermatitis
- glastomycetic dermatitis
- bkastomycetic dermatitis
- bpastomycetic dermatitis
- boastomycetic dermatitis
- blzstomycetic dermatitis
- blsstomycetic dermatitis
- blwstomycetic dermatitis
- blqstomycetic dermatitis
- blaatomycetic dermatitis
- blaztomycetic dermatitis
- blaxtomycetic dermatitis
- bladtomycetic dermatitis
- blaetomycetic dermatitis
- blawtomycetic dermatitis
- blasromycetic dermatitis
- blasfomycetic dermatitis
- blasgomycetic dermatitis
Etymology of BLASTOMYCETIC DERMATITIS
The term "blastomycetic dermatitis" is a medical term that describes a skin infection caused by a fungus called Blastomyces dermatitidis. The word "blastomycetic" is derived from the genus name of the fungus, Blastomyces, and the term "dermatitis" refers to inflammation of the skin.
The word "Blastomyces" comes from two Greek roots: "blastos", meaning bud or sprout, and "mykes", meaning fungus. This is because the fungus Blastomyces dermatitidis is known to reproduce by budding.
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