ecthyma

ecthyma /ec·thy·ma/ (ek-thi´mah) a shallowly ulcerative form of impetigo, chiefly on the shins or forearms.

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ec·thy·ma (k-thm)

n.

A pyogenic infection of the skin due to staphylococci or streptococci and characterized by adherent crusts beneath which ulceration occurs.

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ecthyma

[ek′thimə]

Etymology: Gk, ek, out, thyein, to rush

an ulcerative pyoderma characterized by large pustules, crusts, and ulcerations surrounded by erythema. It is caused by a streptococcal infection after a minor trauma. The skin of the legs is most frequently affected. Treatment includes vigorous cleansing, application of compresses of cool Burow's solution to soften and remove crusts, and systemic administration of antibiotics. Compare folliculitis, impetigo.

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ecthyma

a shallowly eruptive form of impetigo.

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contagious ecthyma

a specific dermatitis of sheep caused by a poxvirus in the genus Parapoxvirus. The virus is strongly antigenic and an attack of the disease or vaccination provides long-lasting immunity. If the flock has previously been exposed the disease is restricted in occurrence to lambs and young sheep. The characteristic lesions occur mostly on the lips and the skin around the mouth, but have appeared wherever skin contact has been made with a source of infective virus, e.g. ear tagging, tail docking. Lesions are first papules, then crusts, and finally discrete thick tenacious scabs over vigorous granulation tissue. Very young lambs develop an extensive form of the disease involving even the alimentary tract. Occasional older sheep also have extensive lesions on other skin areas such as the coronets, and at the other mucocutaneous junctions. The disease is transmissible to humans. Called also orf, scabby mouth, contagious pustular dermatitis.

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ecthyma

Dermatology A chronic subcutaneous infection by β-hemolytic streptococci that develops usually on the legs, in a background of a pruritic lesion–eg, insect bite, scabies, pediculosis; skin becomes crusted, weeping, and later scarred Management Warm compresses, antibacterial soap, H₂O₂, systemic penicillin. See Impetigo.