MELANOTIC WHITLOW Meaning and
Definition
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Melanotic whitlow is a medical condition characterized by the presence of black or dark pigmentation on the skin surrounding the fingernail or toenail. It is a relatively rare form of a whitlow, which is an infection localized around the nail bed.
Melanotic whitlow typically occurs as a result of a viral or bacterial infection, commonly due to the Herpes simplex virus. The infection usually gains entry through a small cut, tear, or injury to the skin around the nail, allowing the virus or bacteria to enter and cause inflammation. As the infection progresses, the affected area may become darkly pigmented, often appearing black or bluish-black in color.
Symptoms of melanotic whitlow may include pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness around the affected nail. In some cases, the dark pigmentation may extend past the immediate area of the infection. The condition may also be associated with other systemic symptoms such as fever or malaise, especially if the infection spreads to other parts of the body.
Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying infection through antiviral or antibacterial medications, depending on the cause. Any abscess or pus may need to be drained, and the affected area may be kept clean and protected. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove damaged tissue or address complications.
It is essential to seek medical attention promptly if symptoms of melanotic whitlow are present to prevent the infection from spreading and to avoid potential complications such as cellulitis or osteomyelitis.
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A melanotic or pigmented sarcoma of the skin, beginning at the border of the nail.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MELANOTIC WHITLOW
- melanoticwhitloww
- melanoticwhitlo
- melanoticwitlow
- m elanotic whitlow
- me lanotic whitlow
- mel anotic whitlow
- mela notic whitlow
- melan otic whitlow
- melano tic whitlow
- melanot ic whitlow
- melanoti c whitlow
- melanotic w hitlow
- melanotic wh itlow
- melanotic whi tlow
- melanotic whit low
- melanotic whitl ow
- melanotic whitlo w
Etymology of MELANOTIC WHITLOW
The term "melanotic whitlow" is composed of two parts: "melanotic" and "whitlow".
1. Melanotic: The word "melanotic" is derived from the Greek word "melas", meaning black or dark, and the suffix "-otic", denoting a condition or a disease. "Melas" itself is related to the Proto-Indo-European root *mel-, meaning black or dirty. In the medical context, "melanotic" specifically refers to the presence of dark pigmentation, typically due to the melanin pigment.
2. Whitlow: The term "whitlow" originated from the Old English word "hwītlāw", which was comprised of "hwīt" meaning white or pale and "lāw" referring to an inflammation or infection.
