Blanching

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Blanching (medical)

Blanching (/ˈblæntʃɪŋ/), in the medical context, refers to the temporary whitening of the skin due to transient ischemia, or lack of blood flow to the tissues.

Etymology

The term "blanching" originates from the French word "blanchir", which means "to whiten". It has been used in the English language since the late 14th century.

Process

Blanching occurs when pressure is applied to the skin, causing the blood to be pushed away from the area. When the pressure is released, the blood flow should return and the skin should return to its normal color. This is often used as a clinical sign to assess circulation and tissue perfusion.

Related Terms

  • Capillary refill time: This is the time taken for color to return to an external capillary bed after pressure is applied to cause blanching.
  • Ischemia: A condition in which there is insufficient blood flow to the tissues, causing a lack of oxygen that is needed for cellular metabolism.
  • Pallor: An unhealthy pale appearance of the skin which can be caused by illness, emotional shock or stress, or lack of exposure to sunlight.

Clinical Significance

Blanching is often used as a clinical sign in the assessment of patients. It can indicate poor peripheral circulation, which may be a sign of conditions such as peripheral artery disease or diabetes. It is also used to assess the severity of conditions such as pressure ulcers.

See Also

External links

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