Erythema
Pronunciation: eh-rih-THEE-mah
Superficial reddening of the skin caused by dilation of blood capillaries, used as a descriptor or as part of named dermatological diagnoses.
Full Definition
Erythema is one of the most frequently used terms in dermatology clinical documentation and denotes redness produced by increased blood flow or capillary engorgement in the superficial dermis. As a standalone descriptor, it is always lower case; however, it forms part of many capitalised named conditions (e.g., Erythema multiforme, Erythema nodosum, Erythema migrans). Editors must pay close attention to capitalisation rules: named syndromes and eponymous diagnoses require an initial capital for the condition name, not for the word 'erythema' alone. The term is frequently misspelled as 'erythyma' or 'erythaema' — both are incorrect in contemporary medical English.
Usage
Usage note: Always lower case as a generic descriptor. Capitalise only as the first word of a sentence or when part of an officially named condition. 'Erythyma' and 'erythaema' are common misspellings to flag.
In Context
- "On examination, diffuse erythema was noted across the malar region bilaterally." — Clinical consultation note
- "Erythema migrans, the hallmark rash of Lyme disease, requires a capital 'E' as the start of the named condition." — Editorial style guide