kowat
English: Translation
tinea versicolor; pityriasis versicolor; an-an; a superficial fungal skin condition characterized by pale, whitish, or discolored patches on the skin.
Part of Speech
noun
Semantic Domain
Health
Skin Diseases
Description
The Boie’nen lexeme kowat refers to a common superficial skin condition marked by pale, light-colored, or unevenly pigmented patches, usually occurring on the neck, chest, back, shoulders, or arms. The affected areas may become more noticeable after sun exposure because they tan differently from the surrounding skin. Mild scaling may be present, although itching is usually absent or slight.
Medical Equivalent
Tinea versicolor (Pityriasis versicolor)
Example Sentence
Agko iya kowat sa li-eg ag sa tawtod.
English: Example Sentence
He has tinea versicolor patches on his neck and back.
Usage Note
Some community members associate kowat with shared towels, bedding, clothing, or improperly cleaned barbering tools. In contemporary medicine, the condition is understood as an overgrowth of naturally occurring skin fungi.
Clarificatory Note
Kowat should not be confused with bo’ni or koyap.
• Bo’ni corresponds to Filipino buni (ringworm), producing circular, itchy lesions with a raised and scaly border.
• Koyap refers to a rougher, flakier, and typically itchier skin condition than kowat. Its precise medical equivalent remains under investigation.
Traditional Boie’nen distinguishes these skin conditions as separate entities:
kowat → an-an → tinea versicolor
bo’ni → buni → ringworm (tinea corporis)
koyap → itchy, flaky skin eruption
See Also
bo’ni
koyap