Desiccation
Desiccation
Desiccation (/dɛsɪˈkeɪʃən/), derived from the Latin desiccare meaning "to dry up", is a medical term referring to the state of extreme dryness, or the process of extreme drying. A desiccation injury can occur in any organism which can lose too much water, leading to dehydration.
Causes
Desiccation can be caused by a variety of factors, including dehydration, exposure to dry air or heat, and certain medical conditions such as Sjögren's Syndrome.
Symptoms
Symptoms of desiccation can include dryness of the skin, mouth, and eyes, as well as other mucous membranes. In severe cases, it can lead to dehydration, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Treatment
Treatment for desiccation typically involves rehydration, either orally or intravenously, depending on the severity of the dehydration. In some cases, treatment may also involve addressing the underlying cause of the desiccation, such as treating the medical condition causing the dryness.
Related Terms
- Dehydration: A condition that occurs when you lose more fluid than you take in, and your body doesn't have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions.
- Sjögren's Syndrome: An autoimmune disease characterized by dryness of the mouth and eyes.
- Exposure: The condition of being subjected to something, such as to an infectious agent, extreme weather condition, or radiation which can cause desiccation.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Desiccation
- Wikipedia's article - Desiccation
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