Cutaneous actinomycosis

Cutaneous Actinomycosis

Cutaneous actinomycosis (pronunciation: kyu-tay-nee-us ak-ti-no-my-koh-sis) is a rare type of Actinomycosis, a chronic bacterial infection that typically affects the skin and underlying tissues.

Etymology

The term "cutaneous actinomycosis" is derived from three Greek words: "kutis," meaning skin, "aktis," meaning ray, and "mykes," meaning fungus. Despite the term's fungal connotations, actinomycosis is caused by bacteria, not fungi.

Definition

Cutaneous actinomycosis is a chronic bacterial infection that primarily affects the skin and underlying tissues. It is caused by Actinomyces species, a type of Gram-positive bacteria that are normally present in the mouth and digestive tract.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cutaneous actinomycosis can vary, but they often include:

• Painful, hard lumps on the skin
• Ulceration of the skin
• Abscess formation
• Sinus tract formation

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of cutaneous actinomycosis is often challenging due to its rarity and nonspecific symptoms. It typically involves a combination of clinical examination, histopathology, and bacterial culture.

Treatment

Treatment for cutaneous actinomycosis typically involves long-term antibiotic therapy, often for several months. Surgical intervention may also be necessary in some cases.

Related Terms

• Actinomycosis
• Bacterial infection
• Gram-positive bacteria
• Ulceration
• Abscess
• Sinus tract
• Histopathology
• Antibiotic therapy

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Cutaneous actinomycosis
• Wikipedia's article - Cutaneous actinomycosis

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