SYPHILITIC LEUCODERMA Meaning and
Definition
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Syphilitic leucoderma, also known as leukoderma syphiliticum or vitiligo syphilitica, is a cutaneous manifestation or skin condition associated with advanced stages of syphilis infection. It refers to the development of depigmented or white patches on the skin due to the destruction or absence of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin.
This condition typically occurs during the late or tertiary stage of syphilis, which may develop years after the initial infection occurred if left untreated. Syphilitic leucoderma is believed to result from an autoimmune response triggered by the syphilis infection, leading to the destruction of melanocytes and subsequent depigmentation.
These characteristic white patches generally develop on various parts of the body, primarily around the face, neck, and extremities. The patches may vary in size and shape and can gradually spread over time. The affected skin is often smooth and devoid of pigment, making it more susceptible to sunburns and other skin-related issues.
The diagnosis of syphilitic leucoderma typically involves a thorough medical history assessment, physical examination, and serological tests to confirm the presence of syphilis infection. It is important to distinguish this condition from other causes of depigmentation, such as vitiligo, as the treatment approach can differ.
Treatment of syphilitic leucoderma involves the administration of appropriate antibiotics to eradicate the underlying syphilis infection. However, it is essential to note that while treatment can prevent further progression of the disease, the repigmentation of the affected skin may not always occur.
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Pigmentary syphilide with central white patches.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SYPHILITIC LEUCODERMA
- ayphilitic leucoderma
- zyphilitic leucoderma
- xyphilitic leucoderma
- dyphilitic leucoderma
- eyphilitic leucoderma
- wyphilitic leucoderma
- stphilitic leucoderma
- sgphilitic leucoderma
- shphilitic leucoderma
- suphilitic leucoderma
- s7philitic leucoderma
- s6philitic leucoderma
- syohilitic leucoderma
- sylhilitic leucoderma
- sy-hilitic leucoderma
- sy0hilitic leucoderma
- sypgilitic leucoderma
- sypbilitic leucoderma
- sypnilitic leucoderma
- sypjilitic leucoderma
Etymology of SYPHILITIC LEUCODERMA
The word "syphilitic leucoderma" is a medical term that combines two different terms: "syphilitic" and "leucoderma".
1. Syphilitic: The term "syphilitic" refers to "syphilis", which is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. The word "syphilis" itself comes from the Latin word "Syphilus", which was the name of a shepherd in a poem written by the Italian physician and poet Girolamo Fracastoro in the 16th century. The poem depicted the story of a shepherd who displayed symptoms similar to that of syphilis as a result of insulting the sun god Apollo. The term "syphilus" later evolved into "syphilis" as the disease was further studied and understood.
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