Ecthyma
Ecthyma
Ecthyma (pronounced: ek-thai-ma) is a skin infection similar to impetigo, but more severe. It penetrates deeper into the skin's second layer, the dermis, and causes painful fluid- or pus-filled sores with a thick, hard crust.
Etymology
The term 'ecthyma' is derived from the Greek word 'ekthyma', which means 'pustule'.
Causes
Ecthyma is usually caused by the Streptococcus or Staphylococcus bacteria. These bacteria can enter the skin through a cut, scratch, insect bite, or any other type of skin damage.
Symptoms
The main symptom of ecthyma is the presence of painful, pus-filled sores with a thick, hard crust on the skin. These sores can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly found on the legs and feet. Other symptoms may include swollen lymph nodes, fever, and fatigue.
Treatment
Treatment for ecthyma typically involves antibiotics, either in the form of a cream or a pill. In severe cases, the sores may need to be drained by a healthcare professional. It is also important to keep the affected area clean and dry to prevent the infection from spreading.
Related Terms
- Impetigo: A less severe skin infection that is often confused with ecthyma.
- Dermis: The second layer of skin, which is affected by ecthyma.
- Streptococcus: A type of bacteria that can cause ecthyma.
- Staphylococcus: Another type of bacteria that can cause ecthyma.
- Lymph nodes: Small glands that produce and store cells that fight infection and disease.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Ecthyma
- Wikipedia's article - Ecthyma
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