Herald

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Herald is a term often used in the field of medicine and dermatology to refer to a symptom or sign that precedes a condition or illness. The most common usage of the term is in reference to the herald patch, which is the initial skin lesion that appears in the condition known as Pityriasis Rosea.

Herald in Medicine[edit | edit source]

In the field of medicine, a herald is a precursor or an initial sign indicating the onset of a disease or condition. This can be a symptom, a physical sign, or a change in a laboratory value. For example, in migraine headaches, a herald could be the aura that some people experience before the headache begins.

Herald Patch[edit | edit source]

The herald patch is a term used in dermatology to describe the first or initial lesion that appears in certain skin conditions. The most common condition in which a herald patch is seen is Pityriasis Rosea. This is a skin condition that usually begins with a large, slightly raised, scaly patch of skin, which is known as the herald patch. The herald patch is usually followed by the appearance of more skin lesions on the trunk of the body.

Herald in Other Fields[edit | edit source]

While the term herald is most commonly used in medicine and dermatology, it can also be used in other fields to describe a sign or symptom that precedes a particular event or condition. For example, in meteorology, a herald could be a change in weather conditions that indicates the approach of a storm.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Herald Resources

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD