Erythrogenic

/ˌɛrɪθroʊˈdʒɛnɪk/ adjective

Definition

Causing or producing redness, or stimulating the production of red blood cells or red coloration.

Etymology

From Greek erythro- (red) + -genic (causing or producing). The -genic suffix comes from Latin and Greek and appears in words like carcinogenic (causing cancer) and allergenic (causing allergies).

Kelly Says

Scarlet fever is caused by an erythrogenic toxin from streptococcus bacteria—it actually triggers your immune system to produce the characteristic red rash by stimulating blood vessel dilation! Understanding this toxin helped doctors realize why antibiotics cure scarlet fever.

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