Serpiginous

Serpiginous is a term used in medicine to describe a lesion or physical finding that has a serpentine or snake-like appearance. This term is often used in dermatology to describe the physical appearance of skin lesions.

Definition

The term "serpiginous" is derived from the Latin word "serpigo", which means "creeping". In medical terminology, it is used to describe a lesion or physical finding that has a creeping, snakelike appearance. This can be seen in various medical conditions, including certain skin diseases, parasitic infections, and vascular disorders.

Clinical Significance

Serpiginous lesions are often seen in conditions such as cutaneous larva migrans, a parasitic skin infection caused by hookworm larvae. These lesions are characterized by their winding, snake-like appearance, which is caused by the movement of the larvae under the skin.

Other conditions that may present with serpiginous lesions include Lyme disease, tuberculosis, and certain types of vasculitis. In these conditions, the serpiginous appearance of the lesions is due to the pattern of inflammation or infection in the skin or underlying tissues.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The diagnosis of conditions presenting with serpiginous lesions is often based on the clinical appearance of the lesions, along with the patient's history and other clinical findings. Additional tests, such as skin biopsies or blood tests, may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of serpiginous lesions depends on the underlying cause. For example, cutaneous larva migrans is typically treated with antiparasitic medications, while conditions like vasculitis may require immunosuppressive therapy.

See Also

• Cutaneous larva migrans
• Lyme disease
• Tuberculosis
• Vasculitis

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