Lepidoptera Lexicon: Metaphorical Descriptors in Dermatology
August 2025
in “
Indian Dermatology Online Journal
”

TLDR Metaphors like "butterfly rash" and "moth-eaten" help doctors identify and describe skin conditions.
The document discusses the use of metaphorical language, specifically "butterfly" and "moth" descriptors, in dermatology to enhance the understanding and diagnosis of various skin conditions. These metaphors, such as "butterfly rash" in lupus erythematosus and "moth-eaten" alopecia in syphilis, help clinicians recognize and differentiate diseases based on their characteristic appearances. The metaphors serve as valuable diagnostic tools and enrich the descriptive language of dermatology, aiding in the communication and understanding of complex dermatological phenomena.