Serpiginous

Serpiginous is a descriptive term used in medicine to denote a lesion or pattern that expands in a snake-like, winding fashion. The word derives from Latin serpere, to creep, with the suffix -ginous indicating resemblance. In clinical use, serpiginous describes borders or tracks that advance slowly and have a serpentine appearance.

In dermatology, serpiginous patterns are noted when skin lesions spread with a creeping edge. The most well-known example is cutaneous larva migrans, where migrating parasitic larvae create pruritic, reddish tracks that extend in a serpiginous pattern across the skin. Serpiginous borders can also be described in other inflammatory or infectious dermatoses when the advancing edge forms irregular, winding contours.

In ophthalmology, serpiginous choroiditis is a rare inflammatory condition of the choroid and retina characterized by geographic, serpentine lesions that expand slowly and may recur, potentially affecting vision. The exact cause is not fully understood, and treatment typically revolves around controlling inflammation, often with corticosteroids or immunomodulatory therapies, while monitoring for recurrences and complications.

The term is also used more generally to describe patterns in other medical contexts where a creeping, snake-like spread is observed. Diagnosis relies on recognizing the characteristic serpentine pattern in the appropriate clinical setting and is usually supported by history, imaging, laboratory testing, or biopsy as needed. Treatment is directed at the underlying condition producing the serpiginous pattern.

See also: serpiginous pattern, creeping eruption.