Pinta
Medical Questions » Illnesses » Pinta
| Name: Pinta |
| Also known as: |
| Bacterial skin infection that occurs in children and young adults who are malnourished and living in conditions of poor hygiene. More common on the forearms and lower legs. |
Causes of Pinta
The bacterium Treponema carateum. Incubation period one to three months. |
Symptoms of Pinta
Starts with a small, pink scaly lump (papule), which gradually enlarges to form a scale covered plaque with raised edges. Further spots appear around the original one, and then elsewhere on the body. |
Tests for Pinta
Diagnosed by a biopsy of affected skin. Blood tests for syphilis, which is caused by a similar bacteria, are positive. |
Treatment for Pinta
Antibiotics (penicillin or tetracycline).
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Complications of Pinta of its treatment
In a second stage of the disease, the plaques become extensive, thicken, enlarge, and merge together, and pigment is lost or gained to change the skin color. |
Likely Outcome of Pinta
Vers' good response to treatment, but pigment changes in second stage disease are permanent. |
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