Serpiginous

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

Serpiginous Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD