Matchbox

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Matchbox (medical)

Matchbox (pronunciation: /ˈmatʃbɒks/) is a term used in the medical field, particularly in the context of parasitology. It refers to the "matchbox sign," a diagnostic technique used to identify the presence of certain parasites, such as scabies.

Etymology

The term "matchbox" originates from the English words "match," a device for starting a fire, and "box," a container. In the medical context, the term "matchbox sign" was coined due to the method of collecting skin scrapings in a matchbox for examination, a practice common in the early 20th century.

Usage

In medical practice, the "matchbox sign" is used to describe a situation where a patient presents to a healthcare provider with a collection of skin scrapings or debris, often collected in a matchbox or similar container. This is commonly seen in patients with intense pruritus (itching) and is indicative of conditions such as scabies or dermatitis herpetiformis.

Related Terms

  • Scabies: A contagious skin infestation by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, often diagnosed using the matchbox sign.
  • Pruritus: The sensation that provokes the desire to scratch, often a symptom in conditions diagnosed using the matchbox sign.
  • Dermatitis herpetiformis: A chronic blistering skin condition, characterized by blisters filled with a watery fluid. Despite its name, it is not related to herpes but is so named because the condition is similar in appearance.

External links

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