Ailments' Scientific Names Trivia Quiz

Answer: Lateral epicondylitis

Lateral epicondylitis is the scientific name for tennis elbow. This condition is caused by repetitive arm and wrist motions. The pain emanates from an injury to the extensor muscles of the forearm and is a type of tendinitis. It can be treated with rest, muscle relaxers, shots, physical therapy and surgery.

Answer: Erythema

Erythema comes from the Greek word 'erythros', meaning red. The superficial reddening of the skin or mucus membranes is caused by hyperemia or increased blood flow causing blood capillaries to dilate. The cause can be injury or irritation or, more likely, the rays of the sun. There are soothing creams to treat the itching and stinging, and sunscreen to avoid a recurrence.

Answer: Hordeolum

Did you ever wake up with a red, painful lump near your eyelid? This is a hordeolum or stye. It looks like a boil or a pimple and is caused by a staphylococcus bacterial infection where the oil glands of the eye get plugged up. Styes can be located on the inner or outer part of the eyelid and are often filled with pus. Fortunately, they will usually disappear on their own.

Answer: Onychocryptosis

Onychocryptosis comes from the Greek words 'kryptos' (hidden) and 'onyx' (nail). It sounds far less threatening when using the common term, i.e., ingrown toenail. While it sounds innocuous, an ingrown toenail can be quite painful, especially when it cuts into the nail bed or paranychium.

It usually occurs on the big toe, and could be caused by poor hygiene, improper grooming or genetic predisposition.

Answer: Gynecomastia

A hormone imbalance in males, i.e., too little testosterone or too much estrogen, can cause swelling of the male breast tissue. The technical name for what is colloquially called "man boobs" is gynecomastia. It is an endocrine system disorder which can be caused by puberty, aging or medications.

While the condition is not physically serious, on a psychological level this condition can be devastating.

Answer: Nevus

A birthmark or a mole on the skin is called a nevus, especially a raised, red patch. The term 'naevus' is Latin for birthmark, but an nevus can be congenital or acquired. It is defined as "a visible, circumscribed chronic lesion of the skin or mucosa". Most people have some birthmarks or moles on their body which do not require any treatment.

However, if there is a change, consult a physician.

Answer: Furuncle

When hair follicles become infected or inflamed by bacteria, a painful pus-filled bump can appear on the skin. Known as furuncles or boils, the tender lumps fill with pus, grow, rupture and drain. A cluster of boils is called a carbuncle. In most cases, boils can be treated with warm compresses; however, large furuncles and carbuncles should be treated by a doctor.

Answer: Bruxism

Did you ever wake up with pain in your jaw? If so, you may may suffer from bruxism. Bruxism is excessive teeth grinding or jaw clenching, often while asleep. There is awake bruxism and sleep bruxism. The former is unconsciously clenching, gnashing, or grinding teeth while awake; the latter is done while sleeping. If severe enough, bruxism can lead to jaw disorders, headaches, etc.

Answer: Hypertrichosis

Hypertrichosis is an abnormal, excessive growth of hair on one's body: there are two distinct types, i.e., localized hypertrichosis, restricted to a limited area or generalized hypertrichosis. It has also been called "werewolf syndrome". Hypertrichosis is a rare condition that can affect men or women. Its cause remains unknown (inherited or a genetic mutation), and there is no cure.

Answer: Enuresis

Nocturnal enuresis is a fancy way of saying bedwetting at night. Enuresis is from the Greek 'enourein', i.e., to void urine. The term, or urinary incontinence, is often associated with young children or the elderly who are unable to properly control their bladder functions. There are many different reasons for this problem, including kidney issues or poor muscle control.