Category: C

A joint which becomes deformed because the patient cannot feel pain in it when the nerves have been damaged by syphilis, diabetes or leprosy [Described 1868. After Jean-Martin Charcot (1825-93), French neurologist.] The chronic degeneration of a joint that may not cause any discomfort because of a neuropathy (loss of sensation) affecting the joint. Charcot…

A highly absorbent substance, formed when wood is burnt in the absence of oxygen, used to relieve diarrhoea or intestinal gas and in cases of poisoning. A substance obtained by partly burning organic material; almost pure carbon. Charcoal is produced by heating wood or other organic substances in an enclosed space, without air. Charcoal is…

To be a typical or special quality or feature of something or someone.  

Referring to skin which is cracked due to cold. Inflamed, roughened, fissured, as from exposure to cold.  

To expose someone to a substance to determine whether an allergy or other adverse reaction will occur. To inject an antigen into the body to determine the immunological result. N. immunological test of antigen reactivity. In immunology, administration of a specific antigen to an individual known to be sensitive to that antigen in order to…

A type of sleeping sickness found in South America, transmitted by insect bites which pass trypanosomes into the bloodstream. Children are mainly affected and if untreated the disease can cause fatal heart block in early adult life. [Described 1909. After Carlos Chagas (1879-1934), Brazilian scientist and physician.] Disease, caused by a parasite (usually Trypanosoma cruzi)…

Irritation of the skin due to rubbing. Irritation of the skin by friction, from clothing or from one sweaty body part (e.g., an inner thigh) rubbing against another. A superficial inflammation that develops when skin is subjected to friction from clothing or adjacent skin. This may occur at the axilla, groin, or anal region, between…

To rub something, especially to rub against the skin.  

A mixture of ammonium compounds, used in disinfectants and antiseptics. Also known as cetavlon, cetrimide is the official name for a mixture of alkyl ammonium bromides. It is a potent antiseptic, and as a 1 per cent solution is used for cleaning and disinfecting wounds, and in the first-aid treatment of burns. As it is…

The act of photographing the cervix uteri, used as a method of screening for cervical cancer.